George Takei Supports Star Trek’s First Gay Klingon Character & Actor

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Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1, Episode 7 – “Ko’Zeine”

George Takei, known for playing Lieutenant Sulu in the original Star Trek series, is publicly supporting Karim Diané, who is making history as the first openly gay Klingon character in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Takei himself came out as gay in 2005 after being closeted for many years, and has been happily married to Brad Altman for over 18 years.

Karim Diané stars as Jay-Den Kraag, the first main character in a Star Trek series with a fully Klingon heritage since Worf (played by Michael Dorn) appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. In episode 7 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Jay-Den and his boyfriend, Kyle Djokovic (played by Dale Whibley), revealed their relationship and made plans to visit Ibiza.

Karim Diané shared supportive messages he received from actors Brad and George Takei on his Instagram and other social media. Both Brad and George emphasized how important it is for Karim to play a queer character in Star Trek, explaining that seeing someone like him as a lead will be incredibly meaningful for young viewers who need representation. You can read their heartfelt messages below.

Karim Diané first met Brad and George Takei at a Broadway show several months ago. Takei and his husband said it felt like fate brought them together. They then ran into each other again on New Year’s Day while both appeared on the Star Trek float at the Rose Parade in Pasadena.

Originally, the character of Mr. Sulu was portrayed as straight and had a daughter named Demora Sulu (played by Jacqueline Kim), who also became a helmsman on the USS Enterprise-B in the film Star Trek Generations. However, the Star Trek movies directed by J.J. Abrams reimagined Sulu (played by John Cho) as gay, and he was shown with a husband in Star Trek Beyond as a tribute to actor George Takei.

In the fourth episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Jay-Den Kraag officially became a Klingon warrior. Prior to this, the quiet and sensitive cadet had begun developing a connection with Kyle from the War College. Adding to the complexity, Jay-Den also has feelings for Darem Reymi (played by George Hawkins), who is understandably jealous of Jay-Den and Kyle’s blossoming relationship.

Karim Diané’s performance as Jay-Den Kraag, who confidently wears a skirt, is a significant moment for diversity and inclusion in Star Trek. The show has long been dedicated to embracing and celebrating everyone who wants to help build the hopeful future envisioned by Gene Roddenberry.

What began with George Takei now continues with Karim Diané in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

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2026-02-24 04:58