“Star Trek: Discovery” will boldly go where no “Star Trek” series has gone previously with a non-binary and trans character joining the show in season 3…
“Star Trek” has always been a franchise defined by embracing diversity. That will once again come to the forefront with the first ever non-binary and trans characters in the franchise’s history joining “Star Trek: Discovery” during season 3.
Two new characters have been confirmed for the cast with the series set to debut on CBS All-Access on Oct. 15.
Ian Alexander, who previously starred on “The OA,” will play Gray, a trans man who has spent his life as a Trill, which is a host for an alien species that lives out a symbiotic relationship with several different bodies over a lifetime.
Blu Del Barrio, who will be starring on a TV series for the first time ever, will play a non-binary character who forms a bond with Lt. Commander Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp) and Dr. Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz), who are the first same-sex couple in “Star Trek” history. Their character Adira is described as “highly intelligent, confident and self-assured beyond their years.”
“‘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,” co-showrunner and executive producer Michelle Paradise said in a statement.
“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.”
Del Barrio actually landed the role while in their final year at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art while Alexander just recently had a starring role in the popular video game “The Last of Us Part II.”
Look for Del Barrio and Alexander to appear in “Star Trek: Discovery” season 3 when the series returns on Oct. 15.
