10 Biggest LGBTQIA+ Moments In Star Trek

4. Casting The First Openly Transgender Actor

Star Trek Ian Alexander
CBS

Ian Alexander was cast in Star Trek: Discovery's third season as Gray Tal, the Trill lover of Adira. Though it has yet to be stated on-screen, the writers have confirmed that Gray, like Alexander himself, is transgender and that this will be explored in season four.

Alexander is the first openly transgender actor that the franchise has ever cast. Though his appearance in the third season was somewhat stilted, hampered by the fact that he died in his first episode (though this didn't stop him coming back), he is set to appear in the next season, with his character and journey being a focus of at least part of the season's arc.

Star Trek: Discovery has been one of the most forward-thinking entries in the franchise when it comes to LGBTQIA+ representation, with Alexander's role serving as yet another positive step for Star Trek. The Trill have always, in one form or another, been a species that have embraced transgenderism, so it makes natural sense that they would be the first to have a positively portrayed trans character in the show.

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Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"