Unveiling the Mysteries of Jadzia Dax's Gender Identity in Star Trek
Exploring the gender identity of Jadzia Dax in Star Trek As the Dax symbiont passes from Curzon to Jadzia, we examine whether she could be considered the franchise's first transgender character A look at transgender representation in other Star Trek series
Gender identity has often been a subtle yet thought-provoking aspect of Star Trek. Despite societal restrictions during the show's inception in the 1960s, the franchise has made strides towards LGBTQ+ representation. This progress was exemplified in Star Trek: Discovery's Adira (Blu Del Barrio) coming out as non-binary in 2020. However, throughout the franchise's history, there have been characters whose gender identity was not immediately apparent. One such example is Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell), whose gender experience captivated audiences despite not being explicitly transgender.
Curzon Passes the Dax Symbiont to Jadzia
Trill society has a unique way of passing down ancestral knowledge and experiences - through symbionts. These worm-like creatures are transferred from host to host and carry not only knowledge but also remnants of each host's personality. To be chosen to carry a symbiont is a great honor and requires rigorous training at the Symbiosis Institute. Curzon, depicted in Deep Space Nine, was a dedicated protector of the Dax symbiont, and his tough love approach to training Jadzia showcased the seriousness of this responsibility.
The Dax symbiont was initially transferred from a cisgender male host to a cisgender female host, however, during the process, the symbiont adopted new pronouns and gender expressions which bears resemblance to the experience of some transgender individuals.
Jadzia’s Unique Relationship to Gender
Carrying the Dax symbiont from Curzon allowed Jadzia to embody both her own individuality and some of Curzon's characteristics, making her relatable for many transgender and gender non-conforming viewers. However, Sisko initially struggled to reconcile Jadzia's gender identity and her connection to Curzon. In an episode from season 1 titled "A Man Alone," Jadzia subtly hints to Sisko that it's not uncommon for Trill to have friendships that don't survive due to change, giving him an opportunity to distance himself. However, Sisko assures Jadzia that his discomfort is temporary and she advises him to allow himself to feel comfortable with the discomfort until time takes care of the rest.
Fortunately for fans of Deep Space Nine, Jadzia and Sisko develop a strong bond that embraces Jadzia's individuality, while also paying homage to her previous Dax host. Benjamin affectionately refers to her as "Old Man," a nod to his former colleague Curzon, without any malice or negative connotations towards Jadzia's gender identity. In the same episode, Quark simply states the fact that Jadzia used to identify as male, without any disrespect or ridicule. This aspect of Jadzia's character, along with her unique ability to offer advice from both a male and female perspective, adds to the show's refreshing and accepting portrayal of gender identity. The show never sensationalizes or stigmatizes Jadzia's gender identity, which sets it apart from other sci-fi series.
Transgender Representation in Star Trek
The Next Generation
Star Trek has long been known for exploring gender identities, but the representation has been mixed. Jadzia's experience with gender identity was not explicitly labeled as transgender or gender-nonconforming, but it was queer-coded. In contrast, Beverly Crusher's experience in The Next Generation felt like a rejection of a romantic partner for being transgender. When the Trill man she loved, Odan, died and his symbiont was joined with a female host, Crusher ended the relationship. This contrast shows that Star Trek has made progress in its representation of gender identities, but there is still work to be done.
Soren, a member of the J'naii race, realizes that she identifies as a woman and wants to live her life openly as such in season 5, episode 17, "The Outcast," where the series attempts to rectify its past mistakes. However, she is forced to stand trial for her identity and choice to be honest about it. In a passionate defense, Soren proclaims that she was born female, and her feelings and longings are not unnatural or indicative of sickness. Instead, she seeks understanding and compassion for herself and others like her.
Discovery & Other Recent Examples
While the representation of transgender and GNC individuals in media has come a long way, it is still disheartening to see the punishment inflicted upon Soren for her bravery in expressing her true gender identity. The J'naii's use of conversion therapy only serves to perpetuate harmful and outdated beliefs about gender and sexuality. It is important for media to continue pushing for accurate and positive representation of marginalized communities, rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes and practices.
Finally, Star Trek: Discovery broke barriers by openly portraying a non-binary character. Adira, in season 3, episode 8, “The Sanctuary,” revealed their true identity as non-binary and expressed a preference for they/them pronouns. Adira's boyfriend Gray, who is also a Trill like Jadzia, added to the show's representation of the LGBTQ+ community by simply being a casually transgender character.
The addition of Dr. Aspen and Zero in recent Star Trek series has been celebrated by fans who appreciate representation of non-binary and genderless characters. However, Jadzia's portrayal as a character who did not conform to traditional gender norms, without a clear label for her gender identity or sexual orientation, was groundbreaking for its time and paved the way for future Star Trek characters to explore gender in a more nuanced and diverse way.
