Star Trek legend William Shatner has shared a heartfelt message of support for his LGBTQ+ fans.
The 94-year-old actor, best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk, attended the Star Trek Las Vegas convention earlier this month. When asked by journalist Dawn Ennis what he’d like to say to queer Star Trek fans, Shatner replied simply:
“Keep on queerin’!”
Visibility in fandom
The moment was celebrated by groups like the Lambda Quadrant, which promotes queer representation within fandom. Spokesperson Ursa Wright told the Los Angeles Blade:
“Many people tell us that, historically, they didn’t feel comfortable fully expressing themselves, even in Star Trek fandom. Our table is often the only one with rainbows everywhere. It shows just how needed these spaces still are.”
Fans at the convention also reflected on what the Star Trek universe means to them. Rachel, a fan from Nebraska, said it represents “being free”, while couple, Anthony and Ryan, described it as a space of “acceptance” and “tolerance.”
Past controversies
Shatner’s supportive words mark a contrast with some of his past comments. In 2021, he criticised speculation that Captain Kirk was bisexual, calling such interpretations a misunderstanding of 1960s social context. He has also previously sparred with LGBTQ+ users online over the term “cisgender.”
Nevertheless, his latest message has been warmly received by queer Trekkies, many of whom see the franchise’s long-standing themes of diversity and inclusion reflected in his words.
