Karim Diané, the actor bringing a groundbreaking character to life in the new seriesStar Trek: Starfleet Academy, is confronting a storm of online hate. He portrays Jay-Den Kraag, the first openly gay Klingon in the storied Star Trek universe, a role that has ignited a fierce backlash.
The series itself has been targeted with negative reviews from the moment it launched, fueled by intense opposition from right-wing groups. This criticism isn’t about the show’s quality; it’s a direct response to its embrace of diversity, featuring LGBTQ+ relationships and characters with disabilities.
Diané, at just 23 years old, is navigating this wave of negativity with remarkable clarity. He speaks openly about the source of the attacks, recognizing them as stemming from deeply ingrained prejudices.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academyarrives sixty years after the original series boldly went where no one had gone before in 1966. The new show blends the classic Star Trek elements – thrilling space battles and exploration – with the familiar dynamics of a high school or university setting, complete with rivalries, sports, and blossoming romances.
Jay-Den Kraag represents a significant departure from traditional Klingon portrayals. He’s a cadet prioritizing healing and understanding over the warrior ethos, and his journey includes a tender romantic connection with fellow cadet Kyle.
Diané identifies the core of the “anti-woke” criticism as rooted in “racism, homophobia and sexism.” He understands that the vitriol isn’t a reflection of him personally, but rather a manifestation of these harmful biases.
“When haters attack me for things they don’t know to be true,” Diané explained, “I realize it has nothing to do with me. It’s about those deeper issues.” He acknowledges that creative critiques are welcome, but the overwhelming majority of the negativity is simply fueled by hate.
Amidst the darkness, Diané focuses on the outpouring of love and support he’s received. He finds strength in the positivity, choosing to amplify those voices over the hateful ones.
His experience was further enriched by a connection with a Star Trek icon: George Takei, who famously played Sulu in the original series. Diané reached out to Takei, sharing details about his character before the show even aired.
Producers had prepared Diané for the potential backlash, anticipating the heat he might face. He proactively contacted Takei, revealing that his Klingon character was gay. The response was immediate and profoundly moving.
Takei and his husband Brad sent a heartfelt email, sharing their own attempts in the 1960s to introduce a queer character to Star Trek. Gene Roddenberry, the show’s creator, ultimately feared that adding a gay character after the groundbreaking interracial kiss between Uhura and Kirk could have led to the series’ cancellation.
This historical context underscores the significance of Jay-Den Kraag’s presence inStar Trek: Starfleet Academy, a testament to how far representation has come, and a reminder of the battles still being fought.
