For someone like me, Star Trek isn’t just a sci-fi series, it’s a way of life. Hear me out—I don’t mean running around in a cosplay uniform or scaring people at the local post office by wearing rubber Vulcan ears. Star Trek and its lessons often guide my actions and remind me to live the best and most honest version of myself. However, living an openly Trek-loving life does have its trying moments, including these questions from people who usually mean well but don’t understand that Star Trek as a whole is more than just fiction.
1. “Why are you so obsessed with Star Trek?”
When people ask me this, I tell them to look around at our modern world and its problems. While the future presented in the franchise has its flaws, it also tells us that poverty, starvation, war, and prejudice have all been eliminated. If that doesn’t give someone hope for the future of humanity, what else will? Retreating into a better future through Star Trek helps me live in the present with more ease when things get tough.
2. “So, do you hate Star Wars?”
As someone who grew up in the 70s and came of age in the mid-80s, Star Wars was everywhere. My cousin had an entire room in his home filled with action figures and space vehicles, and we pretended we were on Hoth when lake-effect snow buried us in the winter. How can I hate something that made such an impression on me as a child? I do admit that I’m mostly a fan of the first 3 films, but that’s probably me being a Gen X kid. Besides, you can't truly compare the two, as each tells a different story.
3. “What does your husband think about your Star Trek obsession?”
After 25 years of marriage, my husband is used to my nerdish ways. Over time, I pulled him right into the fray with me, and now we watch Star Trek every night during dinner (we’re currently in early season 3 of DS9). As for me making a living writing about the franchise, he’s still a little awed that all the time I spent writing fanfiction and collecting information about characters and trivia is now paying off!
4. "Do you ever feel embarrassed about being involved in fandom at your age?”
It’s easy to misunderstand fandom if you’re on the outside looking in. It might seem childish and strange, but for me, it has always offered an open and friendly community where others tell me I am not alone in my love of this franchise and the positive message it offers. That’s a balm for many fans, no matter their age.
5. “Do you think you’ll always be obsessed with Star Trek?”
As someone who tries to live with positivity as much as possible, yes. I don’t see myself falling out of love with a franchise and characters who have been such an important part of my life all these years. Star Trek will always be with me in one form or another, along with its positive messages of hope that let me live a better life.