Jonathan Frakes, known for his role as Commander William Riker on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” has voiced an opinion that the iconic sci-fi series could have ventured further in its depiction of LGBT themes. While “Star Trek” has been praised for breaking new ground in areas of diversity and inclusion, its treatment of LGBTQ characters has often been criticized for not going far enough.
In the world of “Star Trek,” queer identities have sometimes been glossed over, giving the impression that they do not exist. The franchise mostly portrayed relationships as heterosexual, leaving little room for explorations of queer sexuality. “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” featured a character named Jadzia Dax, played by Terry Farrell, whose story arc was the closest the series came to addressing gender fluidity due to a symbiotic relationship between a humanoid host and a worm-like life form.
The episode “The Outcast” from “The Next Generation” strove to tackle the topic of gay rights implicitly through a science-fiction lens. Jeri Taylor, the writer and supervising producer of that episode, aspired to bring queer rights issues to the forefront of network television in the 1990s, which she found lacking at the time. In the book “Captains’ Logs,” Taylor expressed that despite her enthusiasm for the initiative, as a straight person she felt perhaps unqualified to fully engage with the material.
FAQs About Star Trek’s Representation of LGBT Characters
Did Star Trek: The Next Generation include any explicitly LGBT characters?
No, the series did not feature characters that were explicitly recognized as LGBT.
What was the significance of Jadzia Dax in representing queer identities in Star Trek?
Jadzia Dax’s character blurred gender lines due to the nature of the symbiotic relationship with Dax, giving a nod towards a more fluid representation of gender identity.
How did “The Outcast” episode of The Next Generation approach LGBT themes?
The episode took a sci-fi angle to explore themes related to gay rights by depicting a society that lacked a concept of gender. However, it was criticized for not more directly engaging with LGBT issues.
Why was Jonathan Frakes critical of the series’ approach to LGBT themes?
Jonathan Frakes believed that the series could have done more to represent LGBT characters and issues, rather than skirting around them.
Has Star Trek become more inclusive in its later iterations?
Yes, later series such as “Star Trek: Discovery” have introduced explicitly LGBT characters, reflecting a more progressive approach to queer representation.
Conclusion
Despite its forward-thinking reputation, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” received criticism, including from members of its own cast, for its cautious approach to LGBT representation. While the inclusion of queer themes in the early ’90s was ambitious and indicative of the franchise’s progressive values, there was room for a deeper and more explicit exploration of these issues. Moving forward, subsequent series have made strides toward inclusivity, showcasing the franchise’s continued commitment to representing diversity in all its forms.