Star Trek: Discovery introduces first-ever non-binary and trans characters in its third season
Iconic franchise has long been known for celebrating diversity
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Star Trek: Discovery has announced it will be introducing its first non-binary and transgender characters in the forthcoming third season.
Deadline reports that actor Blue del Barrio will portray non-binary character Adira, “who is highly intelligent with a confidence and self-assurance well beyond their years”.
Ian Alexander, previously in Netflix’s The OA, will portray the transgender character Gray who is described as “empathetic” and “warm”.
Michelle Paradise, the series’ co-showrunner and executive producer, said of the casting decision, “Star Trek has always made a mission of giving visibility to underrepresented communities because it believes in showing people that a future without division on the basis of race, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation is entirely within our reach.”
Paradise added that the series takes pride in creating “the extraordinary characters of Adira and Gray, and bring their stories to life with empathy, understanding, empowerment and joy”.
The iconic franchise created by Gene Roddenberry has long been celebrated for its diversity, so this move does not come as a surprise.
In its first season, Sonequa Martin-Green made history as the first black woman to lead a show in the Star Trek universe.
Actors Anthony Rapp and Wilson Cruz portray Lt Stamets and Dr Culber, the first openly gay characters who are in a same-sex marriage in the franchise.
The third season of Star Trek: Discovery is scheduled to arrive on 15 October.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments