Hikaru Sulu, played by John Cho, is shown in the coming Star Trek Beyond film as the loving father of a daughter – with a same sex partner. He will be the first openly gay character in the franchise’s 50-year history. Cho told Australia’s Herald Sun:
“I liked the approach, which was not to make a big thing out it, which is where I hope we are going as a species, to not politicize one’s personal orientations.”
This confirmation comes after Bryan Fuller, producer of the upcoming Star Trek TV series revival, hinted last month that the series could feature LGBT characters.
George Takei, an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights, originated the role of Sulu on the classic television series. Takei came out publicly in 2005.
Star Trek Beyond opens July 21.