Queer stars & fans celebrate 'Star Trek's 60 years of diversity

This story originally appeared on Out.The future of Star Trek may be unclear as the beloved sci-fi franchise celebrates its 60th year next month. With no new TV projects on the horizon, its place in the hearts of queer stars, fans and allies is secure. However, many told Out they fear that a conservative-leaning owner in Paramount Skydance could undo all the diversity that has been at the heart of Trek since its beginnings in September 1966.Listen to those who gathered this summer at conventions and you'll hear one thing over and over: IDIC. "There are many acronyms on Star Trek," said out gay actor George Takei said at San Diego Comic Con last month. Takei, of course, played Sulu — the Asian helmsman and eventually, captain — in the 1960s show and movies. IDIC, Takei said, "is recognizing that amongst all of us coming together and realizing that our strength is in our working together."Created in 1968 by executive producer Gene Roddenberry, IDIC stands for "Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations." What was originally bemoaned as his cheap merchandising gimmick to make extra money off the ratings-challenged television show, has over the years become a message of hope and inclusion that speaks to both fans and the actors they adore."We have various thoughts that were exchanged, we have maybe different reactions to what was said, but it's our recognition that that difference and the courage, the boldness to think about that difference and learn from it," Takei said. "I think that's what the strength of Star Trek is, in creative diversity in infinite combinations, and then you'll live long and prosper." See on Instagram Actor Karim Diané plays the franchise's first out gay Klingon on Star Trek: Star Fleet Academy, and is out in his real life as well. Speaking at that same panel with Takei, he addressed blowback from fans who balked at the idea of a male alien warrior who is attracted to other males. "Heated Rivalry is like the biggest show on the planet, righ