The new Star Trek shows get a lot of criticism for being too "woke". What does that mean? Some people feel that the new Star Trek spends too much time on LGBTQ characters. Well, sorry, but we disagree. Star Trek has ALWAYS been "woke". It has always been on the leading edge of social justice and equality for all. Gene Roddenberry wrote extensively about his feelings about the subject, and episodes like "Let This be Your Last Battlefield" are meant to shed a light on racial injustice.
Personally, the issue seems to be the people who feel uncomfortable with stories about anything other than straight people. As a cis gendered heterosexual white male, I for one have enjoyed the LGBTQ characters in Discovery. And talking to my LGBTQ friends, they seem to finally feel represented in Star Trek. And isnt that good?
Well, this is Pride month, the month of celebration of the LGBTQ community. And to celebrate, we are taking up a worthy cause and asking all Axanar fans to help one of our LGBTQ friends. Inara Tabir, is the chair of the Board of Directors of Gaaays in Spaaace, and the founder and president of the Multiplanteary Society. She is also one of the most amazing human beings I know, and you can see our conversation with her on Axanar Confidential # 103.
Inara Tabir divides her time between working to make humanity Multiplanetary and advancing transgender rights. She co-hosts two popular science shows on IROC Space radio and raises her kids as Trekkies.
Inara is a pioneer and the first transgender woman to transition on an American military base. She has a fundraiser to help offset the very expensive costs of gender-affirming surgery. And you can help! Inara is raising $10,000 and already has $3,669 committed. Please consider a small donation here.
Pride month is not just a celebration of the LGBTQ community, but a month in which allies like Axanar can help spread the goodwill the community so richly deserves.
We have a special Pride Month video interview with Inara and Dan Deevy of Gaaays in Spaaace coming out this week, so stay tuned to the Axanar YouTube channel!