Queer Nature Photography Awards
"Face to Face"
Andrea Izzotti
"Face to Face"
I was in Kruger Park when Two elephant were in front one of the other and started to get closer waving trunk. I first tought of aggresive beahiviour when they came closer end softly touched one each other for a mervellous moment of great intimacy. Like other non-human species elephants often exhibit behavior that can be interpreted as homosexual or bisexual, often referred to as same-sex sexual behavior. I liked that because Altought this was not am explicit secual moment i got the feeling that animals do not have the cultural barriers that we humans, unfortunately, continue to find problematic.
For this reason, I never questioned whether the elephants in this image were of the same sex; it made no difference to the message they wanted to send me as I photographed them full of emotion.
About the Photographer
Name: Andrea Izzotti
Age: 58
Nationality: Italian
How does your identity influence your work?
I am cissexual male and in the past this has greatly affected the way I view the world and nature, with preconceptions related to masculinity. Only recently am I adopting a much more open and inclusive attitude even with reference to the way I photograph.
What message do you hope to convey with your work about the intersection of queerness and biodiversity in nature?
Approaching nature consciously means abandoning the preconceptions typical of the human race in order to receive and embrace nature totally freely, thus broadening one's perspectives to grasp elements that are offered to us, precisely, in a totally “natural” way. What made many people smile years ago must become a point of departure and reflection.
What do you think is the importance of highlighting diversity in both nature and society, and how can photography play a role in this?
Since I began to learn more about animal behavior, I have experienced various situations that cannot be traced back to the simple male-female relationship. Animals do not have the constructs attached to human doctrines, but they behave naturally: each is an individual with its own character and characteristics. Showing these “naturally different” attitudes can be a way to channel human discussion and attract more people to understanding.
What is your favorite example of queerness in nature?
My favorite example is dolphins. Only recently it has been discovered that these marine mammals go through various periods of homosexuality, solitude, bisexuality and promiscuity. Anatomically The reproductive organs of dolphins are located inside the body, with genital slits on the ventral side so only a very experienced eye can understand their gender, but in the open sea when they jump into the waves they have no gender difference.
A note from the Narwhal Rainbow Alliance
Elephants exhibit a variety of queer behaviors, including strong same-sex pair bonds characterized by affectionate interactions such as trunk entwining and social grooming, particularly among females. Male elephants often engage in playful and sexual behaviors with other males, which, highlight the fluidity of their social dynamics. These complex relationships demonstrate the emotional depth and social cohesion within elephant communities, challenging traditional notions of sexuality and relationships in the animal kingdom. Elephant populations are currently under significant threat due to poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. While conservation efforts are underway, challenges remain. Protecting their habitats, strengthening anti-poaching measures, and promoting coexistence with local communities are essential to ensure the survival of elephants and the health of the ecosystems they inhabit.