When we think of Star Trek, we usually picture starships, far-flung galaxies, and, of course, the iconic Klingons. Now, there’s something new to celebrate in the Star Trek universe: the franchise’s first openly gay Klingon. Jay-Den Kraag, portrayed by actor Karim Diané, in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. A Starfleet cadet with an unapologetically queer identity, Kraag is already making waves, but it’s the heartfelt encouragement from Star Trek icon George Takei that’s turning heads in the fandom.
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In a touching Instagram post shared on February 23, Diané revealed a personal email exchange with the legendary George Takei, who’s known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original series. The email was a gesture of support from Takei and his husband, Brad, who understood firsthand the hurdles of LGBTQ+ representation in the Star Trek universe.
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“It’s deeply moving,” Takei wrote, acknowledging the fears and courage Diané felt stepping into the role. The email highlighted how Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry had once fought to include LGBTQ+ stories, but was stymied by the risks of cancellation in the 1960s. “The risks were too high,” Takei recalled. “When Star Trek featured the groundbreaking Kirk-Uhura interracial kiss, it led to blacklisting in several Southern states. Roddenberry feared same-sex love themes might result in outright cancellation.”
A Klingon Who Defies Stereotypes
But here we are, in 2026, with a queer Klingon cadet boldly representing a shift in how far Star Trek has come in terms of LGBTQ+ visibility. Takei, who advocated for more representation during the original series’ run, reflected on how extraordinary it was that Kraag now exists in the franchise. “How extraordinary that we have now arrived at a moment where characters like yours exist in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy – something George has always hoped for,” the email continued.
It’s not just George who’s been moved by the groundbreaking role. Brad Takei’s second email to Diané shared his admiration for the character’s depth: “What your Klingon character is doing carries real weight,” he wrote. “There is something profoundly moving about seeing a Klingon character who defies stereotypes – a young cadet discovering himself while honouring his heritage.”
Facing Backlash: A Star Trek Rite of Passage
But of course, with progress comes backlash. The very thing that makes Kraag’s character so important—his openly queer identity—has also made him a target. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy was quickly review-bombed upon release, mostly due to its diverse cast and inclusive nature, with some detractors grumbling about the show being “woke.” The addition of a gay Klingon only seemed to fuel that fire.
@team.karim 🌈🦄🏳️🌈🌈🦄🏳️🌈 #startrek #starfleetacademy #klingon #lgbt #georgetakei
Diané, however, hasn’t shied away from addressing this head-on. In a powerful video posted to Instagram and TikTok, he shared his vulnerability, acknowledging that playing such a trailblazing role came with its own set of fears. “I knew I was gonna receive a lot of negative comments rooted in homophobia and racism and bigotry,” he confessed. “But what y’all have to understand, I have received 10 times more messages from LGBTQ people around the world telling me how much this character Jay-Den means to them. And that is all that matters to me, truly.”
Representation Matters: A Future We’ve Waited For
In the face of bigotry, Diané’s message is clear: representation matters, and it’s making a difference. Kraag’s presence is more than just a win for Star Trek fans—it’s a triumph for LGBTQ+ individuals who see themselves reflected in a genre that has long been a symbol of progress and inclusivity.
@team.karim I declare only that it is a good day to die! @Star Trek @Paramount+ @CBS Studios @Nerd Out Paramount #startrek #starfleetacademy #klingon
So, whether you’re a die-hard Star Trek fan or simply someone who’s here for more representation, Jay-Den Kraag’s journey is one you won’t want to miss. And as Takei so eloquently put it, “There are young people watching who need to see someone like you as a main character in the franchise we all love.”
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The future is indeed arriving—and it’s boldly queer.