To Boldly Go Where No Trans Or Non-Binary Persons Has Gone Before.

Paraphrasing the Star Trek mission statement, “To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no one has gone before.” the new session of Star Trek Discovery has new characters, a trans person and a non-binary crewperson.

‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Introduces First-Ever Non-Binary And Trans Characters With Blu Del Barrio And Ian Alexander
Deadline
By Dino-Ray Ramos
September 2, 2020



Blu del Barrio will make their screen acting debut as the non-binary character Adira, who is highly intelligent with a confidence and self-assurance well beyond their years. They will find a new home on the USS Discovery and form an unexpected bond with Lt. Commander Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp) and Dr. Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz).

Ian Alexander will play the transgender character Gray, empathetic, warm and eager to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a Trill host, but he will have to adapt when his life takes an unexpected turn.
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Del Barrio is a non-binary actor who uses they/them pronouns. Del Barrio was in their final year of studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art when they auditioned for the role. Del Barrio has been acting in theater and short films before making their debut in Star Trek: Discovery.

Alexander, who uses they/them and he/him pronouns, is best known for his roles as Buck Vu on Netflix’s The OA and Lev in the video game The Last of Us Part II. Alexander made history as the first out transgender Asian-American person to act on television. He is also an advocate for transgender equality, racial justice and mental health awareness for LGBTQ+ youth. Alexander and Del Barrio will be recurring guest stars.

In addition to having the first-ever openly non-binary and transgender characters, Star Trek: Discovery was moving the needle with inclusivity since season one. Sonequa Martin-Green made history as the first woman of color to lead a show in the Star Trek franchise. In addition, the aforementioned Anthony Rapp and Wilson Cruz play the first openly gay characters who are in a same-sex marriage in the franchise.

Did you read that? A trans and a non-binary actors are playing in a major television role!

There is no longer an excuse that there are no trans people good enough and with enough viewer draw for major movie and television shows.

Let’s end using cis-gender people playing trans parts.