Three years since its premiere, Star Trek: Discovery has constantly pushed for diversity in its show. First with the introduction of the franchise’s first gay character with Anthony Rapp’s Paul Stamets and Wilson Cruz’s Hugh Culber.
Now, the Star Trek series will bravely venture where no other series or movie in the franchise has gone before by introducing the first non-binary and transgender characters to its third season.
Joining the Star Trek family will be Blu del Barrio, a non-binary actor who prefers the pronouns they and them. They will be playing Adira, who is described as being “highly intelligent” and someone who will form an “unexpected bond” with Lt. Commander Paul Stamets and Dr. Hugh Culber.
Another actor who will be joining Star Trek: Discovery for its third season is Ian Alexander, a 19-year-old actor who has also starred in Netflix’s The OA and The Last of Us Part II. He will be playing Gray, who is described as “empathetic, warm and eager to fulfil his lifelong dream of being a Trill host” though his life will end up taking an “unexpected turn”.
“We take pride in working closely with Blu del Barrio, Ian Alexander and Nick Adams at GLAAD to create the extraordinary characters of Adira and Gray, and bring their stories to life with empathy, understanding, empowerment and joy,” said Michelle Paradise, co-showrunner and executive producer of Star Trek: Discovery, in a statement (via CNN).
The third season is expected to air on CBS All Access on 16 October.
Germaine is a fun-sized introvert who loves nothing better than sleeping in on rainy days. She can be found reading fanfiction and manga while still waiting for her Hogwarts acceptance letter. It’ll come eventually.
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