Discover the Diverse Love Stories of Star Trek: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Canon Relationships
Discover the beautiful diversity of love in the Star Trek universe with these LGBTQ+ canon relationships From the Kelvin Timeline films to Discovery and Picard, witness the power of love that transcends species and breaks down barriers Prepare to be captivated by the true representation of love in Star Trek
Star Trek has long been known for its progressive themes, but it has taken considerable time for the franchise to fully embrace LGBTQ+ representation. Fans have long speculated about the nature of relationships between characters such as Spock and Kirk or Bashir and Garak, and even today, they still wonder what could have been.
In an attempt to explore LGBTQ+ dynamics, Star Trek: The Next Generation introduced William Riker and Soren as a different kind of couple. While Soren eventually developed feelings for Riker, her decision to live as a woman, against her society's gender-neutral customs, resulted in punishment and the end of their relationship. Though not explicitly gay, their story touched upon queer themes by addressing gender identities within their brief romance.
When Lenara Kahn (portrayed by Susanna Thompson) and Jadzia Dax (played by Terry Farrell) shared an intimate and heartfelt kiss on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, it appeared that the franchise was finally embracing the representation of an LGBTQ+ couple. However, contrary to expectations, the series tragically separated them, leaving fans longing for another inclusive and diverse relationship to take center stage.
In order for Star Trek to make progress, they had to take a step back first. Hikaru Sulu, portrayed by gay actor George Takei in the original Enterprise crew, never had any of his partners shown on screen until John Cho reprised the character for Star Trek: Beyond. Towards the end of the film, fans catch a glimpse of Sulu's husband Ben (played by Doug Jung) and their daughter Demora (played by Rihanne Quionn). However, the scene is disappointingly vague, with Sulu simply seen hugging the baby with his arm around Ben, and then it's over.
The actor initially expressed concerns about what he perceived as gay tokenism, but faced backlash for not showing appreciation for the representation. Given the rumors of a cut-out kiss, it is understandable that Takei was unimpressed with what the movie had to offer. Despite claiming to be progressive, Star Trek: Beyond fails to provide a name for Sulu's and Ben's daughter that confirms or denies her possible LGBTQ+ identity. Fortunately, Star Trek was only beginning to explore LGBTQ+ couples, and there was more to come.
Hugh Culber & Paul Stamets (Discovery)
Fast-forward to the new Star Trek shows, the LGBTQ+ couples of the franchise have become more prominent. In Star Trek: Discovery, the character Paul Stamets (played by Anthony Rapp) is openly gay and his references to his husband Hugh Culber (played by Wilson Cruz) become more meaningful when viewers meet him in season 1, episode 4. This couple not only represents the first explicitly LGBTQ+ relationship in Star Trek, but they also have a romance that is not the central focus of the overarching story.
Paul and Hugh, two remarkable characters on Discovery, brought their unique skills and talents to the crew. Paul, originally an engineer, became a specialist in spore drive technology, elevating the ship's scientific capabilities. Meanwhile, Hugh, a compassionate medic, provided invaluable support by helping fellow crew members navigate through challenging emotions. In a significant and refreshing moment, their first onscreen kiss in season 1, episode 9, captivated audiences, and what made it even more extraordinary was the subsequent display of their love without any fanfare. Discovery boldly embraced the fact that Paul and Hugh were a gay couple, adding to their iconic status.
Raffi Musiker & Seven of Nine (Picard)
Seven (Jeri Ryan) embodies the nuanced approach that Star Trek has historically taken towards LGBTQ+ identities. Her journey of self-acceptance and personal growth led her to adopt the name "Seven" as a bridge between her past and present selves. In Star Trek: Picard, her character development took a significant leap forward when she formed a deep connection with Raffaela "Raffi" E. Musiker (Michelle Hurd). Their slow-burning and beautifully chaotic romance marked a groundbreaking moment in Star Trek, as it portrayed the first relationship between older bisexual women.
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Despite not being perfect and not always satisfying fans, the breakup of Raffi and Seven offscreen left many of them disappointed. However, the initial kiss between the two in season 2, episode 10, "Farewell," sparked great excitement among fans.
What distinguishes this LGBTQ+ couple and earns them a place on this list is what unfolded after that moment. The writers not only paired Raffi and Seven because they looked good together, but also allowed them to experience the ups and downs that any other couple faces. Although their relationship ultimately didn't endure, the impact they had on the story and the fans did.
Adira & Gray Tal
The relationship between Adira and Gray in Star Trek: Discovery's third season was groundbreaking. Adira's coming out as non-binary in episode 8 was a brave moment, and it was heartwarming to see Paul accept them so easily. In a show often focused on high-stakes conflicts, their love and gender identities provided a refreshing and significant change. The affectionate moments between Adira and Gray showcased their deep love for each other, whether they were fighting for survival or forming a bond with Hugh and Paul.
Representation In Star Trek
In the Star Trek universe, the existence of LGBTQ+ couples has faced criticism from some individuals. There has been a notable backlash on social media platforms, with fans expressing their disapproval of these "gay stories." Actor Wilson Cruz took to Facebook to address these critics, emphasizing that the presence of LGBTQ+ individuals cannot simply be ignored or dismissed.
Fortunately, the majority of Star Trek fans have been supportive of LGBTQ+ couples stepping out of the shadows of insinuation and implication. These stories have had their moment, and episodes like "Rejoined" have benefited from the courage displayed during that time. While there was potential for even greater boundary-pushing, the portrayal of a kiss between LGBTQ+ characters was still considered highly taboo during that era.
Star Trek has evolved to become more inclusive and courageous in portraying LGBTQ+ couples, evident in characters like Beckett Mariner in Lower Decks who confidently embraces her multitude of bisexual exes. The series has reached a point of exploration where it embraces LGBTQ+ representation, encouraging acceptance and pushing the boundaries of the fandom's comfort zones.
