In an unprecedented move to become more inclusive, ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ will introduce its first non-binary and transgender characters.
The characters will be introduced in the third season of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and it is the first time in the history of the franchise that such characters are featured.
The trans character, named Gray, will be played by 19-year-old trans actor Ian Alexander whereas the non-binary character, Adira will be portrayed by Blu del Barrio.
While Gray is “empathetic, warm and eager to fulfill a lifelong dream of being a Trill host, but he will have to adapt when his life takes an unexpected turn,” Adira is described as “highly intelligent with a confidence and self-assurance well beyond their years.”
Welcome Blu del Barrio and @ianaIexander to the #StarTrekFamily! They will be playing Adira, Star Trek’s first non-binary character, and Gray, Star Trek’s first transgender character in #StarTrekDiscovery Season 3. Learn more about Blu in this @glaad Q&A: https://t.co/gd54tVl8p0 pic.twitter.com/WroJ32n7Cp
— Star Trek on CBS All Access (@startrekcbs) September 2, 2020
In an interview with GLAAD del Barrio said, “When I got the call that I’d been cast as Adira, I hadn’t yet told the majority of my friends and family that I was non-binary.
“So when this happened, it felt like the universe saying ‘go ahead’.”
The new season is expected to premiere in October this year.
“‘Star Trek’ has always made a mission of giving visibility to underrepresented communities because it believes in showing people that a future without division on the basis of race, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation is entirely within our reach,” said Michelle Paradise, co-showrunner and executive producer, in a statement.
However, Star Trek: Discovery has a host of firsts to its credit. For instance, this series was the first to introduce the first married gay characters in the franchise’s history. Also, Sonequa Martin-Green became the first Black woman to lead a Star Trek TV series.
What do you think of this move by the series? Isn’t it exciting? Do let us know your views in the comments section below.
