“Queer Planet” is more than just gay penguins or bisexual lions, as the aptly-titled LGBTQ+ Peacock feature documentary trailer states.
The upcoming film is narrated by “Girls5eva” actor Andrew Rannells and is billed as a “first-of-its-kind nature documentary” that focuses solely on the queer creatures in the animal kingdom.
“We’ve all heard of gay penguins, but this film really opened my eyes to the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ behaviors across the natural world,” Rannells said in a press statement. “And what could be more natural than being who you are? I’m excited to be part of ‘Queer Planet,’ especially during Pride Month, and on Peacock, surely the most colorful and glamorous of all the streaming services.”
“Queer Planet” focuses on hidden LGBTQ+ communities among animals that have unconventional sexualities and genders. The film features scientists and experts such as author and naturalist Bradley Trevor Greive, ornithologist Dr. Martin Stervander, biologist Dr. Christine Wilkinson, science historian Dr. Ross Brooks, primatologist Dr. Amy Parish, biologist Antonia Forster, entomologist Dr. Tim Cockerill, mycologist Dr. Patricia Kaishian, marine biologist Dr. Christopher Goatley, evolutionary biologist Dr. Dan Edwards, and The Vagina Museum director Florence Schechter.
“Queer Planet” includes footage of flamingos to pansexual primates and sex-changing clownfish; it even explores the fauna realm with multi-gendered mushrooms. Per the synopsis, the documentary looks at extraordinary creatures, witnesses amazing behaviors, and introduces the scientists who are questioning the traditional concept of what’s natural when it comes to sex and gender.
The film is executive produced by Martha Holmes, with Ed Watkins as a senior producer. Plimsoll Productions is behind the feature.
“Queer Planet” isn’t the only buzzy nature doc this year: Cate Blanchett narrated Netflix four-part series “Our Living World” from the Emmy-winning team behind “Our Great National Parks.” The series uses cinematic wildlife photography, macro close-ups, underwater tapestries, and digital effects to capture the tallest and oldest tree in the forest to the smallest egg in a salmon’s spawning pool and every organism in between. Cuttlefish, beavers, rhinos, crabs, dragonflies, flying foxes, and more are featured in nature action shots.
“Queer Planet” premieres June 6 on Peacock. Check out the trailer below.
