The Starfleet Academy standouts are all inspirations for the LGBTQ+ community.
Out Magazine officially unveiled its list of the most impactful and influential people of 2026, and four Star Trek: Starfleet Academy actors made the highly coveted ranking. Discovery and SFA’s snarky Jett Reno herself, Tig Notaro, Cadet Master Lura Thok (Gina Yashere), SAM, aka Series Acclimation Mil (Kerrice Brooks), and the franchise’s first gay Klingon, Cadet Jay-Den Kraag (Karim Diane) all made the Out100.
While I’ve enjoyed watching all the Starfleet Academy characters, I’m a Klingon fan through and through. So, I was naturally drawn to and compelled by Jay-Den’s story arc and how he wants to become a Starfleet medical officer. However, I was blindsided by the sickening comments many “so-called” Trek fans made on social media, in regard to the character’s sexuality.
“I won’t pretend that I wasn’t scared to take on this role,” Diane wrote in an Instagram post (below) after Starfleet Academy season 1 premiered on Paramount+. “Part of me still is. Not because of the character himself, but because I knew the reaction that could come with it. I knew there would be people who would blur the line between who I play on screen and who I am in real life, and that much of that response would be rooted in homophobia, racism, bigotry.”
Diane also wrote, “But what matters more is this: over the past few weeks since this show premiered, I’ve received countless messages from LGBTQ+ people around the world… people who feel seen, validated, and inspired by Jay-Den. Those messages outweigh every bit of negativity. Every single time.”
I’m delighted to see Diane being honored along with Notaro, Brooks, and Yashere on the Out100. And if you follow Diane on social media, it’s obvious how kind and outgoing the actor is. Even more than that is Diane’s zest for life and his ability to just be himself online and in person. Plus, it’s obvious he LOVES being a part of the Star Trek family.
For more Star Trek content and to share your thoughts on Diane, Brooks, Notaro, and Yashere making the 2026 Out100 list of the most impactful and influential people, visit the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!
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