New ‘Star Trek’ Television Series to Feature First Gay Romance in 51-Year History (Video)
Continue’s Show’s Tradition of ‘Wonderful Expression of Diversity’
The upcoming CBS All Access television series “Star Trek: Discovery†announced yesterday that it will feature the first gay romance in the television show’s 51-year history.
The announcement came during the show’s panel at San Diego Comic-Con, where out actor Anthony Rapp announced that out actor Wilson Cruz will portray his love interest when the show returns to the small screen in September.
“I play the first openly gay character in the history of TV Star Trek. I’m very proud of that & he’s a scientist.” –@albinokid #SDCC2017
— Star Trek: Discovery (@startrekcbs) July 22, 2017
“I play the first openly gay character in the history of TV Star Trek,†Rapp said at the panel, before elaborating that Cruz will “play [his] love interest and [his] partner.â€
While last year’s feature-length “Star Trek: Beyond†portrayed the character of Sulu as a gay man, Rapp and Cruz will bring the series’ first fully-explored gay romance to the small screen, continuing the long-running franchise’s tradition of diversity.
Originally airing in 1966, “Star Trek†made history by featuring the first black woman to play a lead role on a television series. Nichelle Nichols portrayed Lieutenant Uhura on the show’s original run, and just two years later, shared the first televised interracial kiss with William Shatner in 1968.
 “‘Star Trek’ started with a wonderful expression of diversity in its cast,†the show’s co-creator Bryan Fuller said. “We’re continuing that tradition.â€
The show’s trailer can be seen below:
Watch the explosive trailer for the next chapter of the Star Trek franchise. #StarTrekDiscovery premieres Sept 24. https://t.co/f8pFoW6oyS pic.twitter.com/GxojITSRNz
— Star Trek: Discovery (@startrekcbs) July 22, 2017
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Photo via CBS
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