Revolutionary Moment: Star Trek's Groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Kiss

Star Trek was a pioneer in subtly exploring LGBTQ+ identities long before they did so openly, providing fans with one of the most beautiful moments in the franchise's history. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine fearlessly pushed boundaries while maintaining the spirit of tradition, delving into controversial issues such as racism, genocide, and even bodily autonomy. In season 4, episode 6, "Rejoined," Deep Space Nine approached the topic of gay identities in its own unique way.

The episode revolved around Trill, symbionts, and the complex history of two individuals who had fallen in love in previous lifetimes but were unable to progress their relationship. Lenara Kahn (played by Susanna Thompson) and Jadzia Dax (played by Terry Farrell) had a intricate past that resurfaced after being reunited for a scientific project. Although most fans knew that their story would not conclude with a grand happily ever after for a same-sex couple, it didn't dampen their hope as they witnessed one of the franchise's most genuine yet short-lived romances unfold.

Who is Lenara Kahn?

Lenara, the current host of the Kahn symbiont, arrives at Deep Space Nine with a specific mission: to discover the secrets of creating artificial wormholes. However, before her romantic encounter with Jadzia, Lenara is seen discussing strategies with her brother Bejal Otner on how to effectively carry out their plans.

Lenara is portrayed as possessing both a gentle demeanor and a sharp sense of humor. She possesses the ability to engage in meaningful conversations, showcasing her intellect, and exhibits a strong commitment to her profession. It is evident that someone with such qualities would undoubtedly capture Dax's attention, regardless of their physical appearances.

The Complicated Romance of Jadzia & Lenara

Star Trek's portrayal of romance has been inconsistent. On one hand, the franchise has had successful couples like Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz) and Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp) on Discovery. On the other hand, there have been morally questionable romantic relationships such as Kes (Jennifer Lien) and Neelix (Ethan Phillips).

Lenara and Jadzia's love story is both tragic and beautiful, with no foreseeable future. Despite this, they still choose to love each other. Their relationship is complex and can be described as gay. According to Julian, the Kahn symbiont was initially joined to Nilani, who was in love with Torias, the host of the Dax symbiont at that time. Torias and Nilani got married, but their happiness was short-lived as Torias died in a shuttle accident, followed by Nilani's death sometime after.

Lenara was next in line to become the host of the Kahn symbiont, while the Dax symbiont had already been joined to two other hosts before Jadzia. Many years passed before they unexpectedly reunited on Deep Space Nine. They believed they could handle seeing each other again and prioritize their professional obligations over their personal feelings. However, it quickly became evident that their connection was as strong as ever. They effortlessly fell back into a deep bond, and it was only a matter of time before they shared a groundbreaking gay kiss on primetime TV, making history for the world to witness.

Why Was Their Relationship Against the Rules?

Jadzia and Lenara's relationship was filled with tension from the moment they appeared together on screen. The crew of DS9 couldn't help but be captivated by their interactions during the welcome reception for the Trill scientists. Nerys, curious about their past, wonders why Jadzia and Lenara can't simply resume their marriage after the disaster that befell them. Jadzia clarifies that such behavior is considered reassociation, as Trill symbionts are expected to move on and leave their previous families behind in order to gain wisdom from new life experiences. The survival of Trill culture depends on the passing of symbionts, making it a great responsibility for potential hosts. This is why they undergo intense training at the Symbiosis Institute.

As the episode progresses, Lenara's brother Bejal and their colleague Hanor Pren (played by James Noah) begin to suspect the true nature of their relationship. Their concerns mirror the experiences of some gay individuals, as Bejal interrupts a dinner with his sister to express worry over how her obvious feelings for Jadzia are causing her to behave differently than he remembers. Additionally, there is the added layer that if Jadzia and Lenara were to choose each other, they would risk being exiled from Trill society due to their inability to continue the lineage of symbionts. It's as though they were wearing rainbow flags throughout the entire episode, serving as a strong allegory for the experiences of gay individuals.

How Did Lenara & Jadzia's Romance End?

Jadzia and Lenara's kiss in Deep Space Nine sparked different reactions among fans. Some believed it was part of a larger gay agenda, while others saw it as the natural outcome of a tension-filled episode. The intimate moment, where Jadzia softly breathes on Lenara's neck, is followed by Lenara's strong desire to be in Jadzia's arms. This representation of a same-sex relationship was significant for Star Trek fans at the time. However, the bitter reality set in as Jadzia and Lenara had to part ways, with Jadzia ultimately dying and Ezri taking over as the new Dax symbiont.

Critics questioned the ease with which Ezri assumed Jadzia's role without any consequences from other Trill scientists. This led some to believe that Jadzia and Lenara could have stayed together. However, the heart-wrenching elements of the episode were just as crucial as the romantic aspects. The knowledge that their relationship was doomed from the start added impact, especially for gay viewers. Regardless, the passionate kiss shared by Jadzia and Lenara left a lasting impression and sparked discussions among viewers for years. It may have even served as a catalyst for the representation of gay characters in Star Trek in the years to come.