There’s A Hot Gay Klingon In “Star Trek” And Some People Are Mad – Actor Karim Diané Reacts
Actor Karim Diané recently found himself at the centre of an online storm after taking on the role of Jay-Den Kraag in the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Jay-Den is a sensitive medical student who prefers pacifism over the traditional Klingon warrior code. He also happens to be gay. This marks a massive first for the 60-year-old science fiction (sci-fi) franchise.
Despite the progressive nature of the show, some vocal viewers complained the character was “too woke”. Karim took to Instagram this past weekend to share his thoughts on the negativity.
“I won’t pretend that I wasn’t scared to take on this role. Part of me still is,” Karim explained in his Instagram post. “Not because of the character himself, but because I knew the reaction that could come with it.”
Why the backlash is surprising in 2026?
Karim pointed out how bizarre the outrage feels in the current year. He noted how diverse everyday life is for him in New York City.
“I genuinely cannot believe that a gay character on a TV show in 2026 can cause this much commotion, y’all,” he said on Instagram. “Y’all gotta understand, I live in New York City. So you could be purple in Brooklyn, and nobody cares. Nobody gives a sh*t.”
It’s not as though queer relationships haven’t been portrayed in Star Trek before. In the Discovery seasons, there was a romance between a non-binary human named Adira, and a trans Trill character named Gray. Adira and Gray were played by the non-binary actor Blu del Barrio and the trans actor Ian Alexander. Discovery also included a long-standing relationship between Dr Culber (Wilson Cruz) and Lt. Stamets (Anthony Rapp).
He added that seeing the ruffled feathers online is jarring. It signals there is still more work to do for LGBTQIA+ acceptance.
At DNA, we have to agree. Why do relationships have to be binary in a series set in the future with aliens from all over the universe? The show features other queer characters, including a couple played by Tig Notaro and Gina Yashere, who faced similar complaints. Jay-Den himself is currently caught in a romantic storyline with a cadet named Kyle Djokovic (Dale Whibley), which is complicated by his loyalty to Darem Reymi (George Hawkins), a pansexual character.
Meeting a sci-fi legend
The positive responses from the LGBTQIA+ community have heavily outweighed the bigotry. Karim mentioned receiving countless messages from fans around the globe who feel seen and validated.
He even received support from Star Trek veteran George Takei. The two exchanged emails after meeting at a Broadway show. Takei played Hikaru Sulu in the original 1966 series. He shared his own experience discussing LGBTQIA+ representation with creator Gene Roddenberry. At the time, portraying same-sex love was considered an existential risk that could cancel the program.
“To watch you inhabit a queer Klingon in Starfleet Academy in 2026 is to see that future finally arrive!” George and his husband, Brad Altman, wrote to Karim.
Karim understands his role fits perfectly into the original vision of the series. He noted that Roddenberry imagined a future where diversity is celebrated. Jay-Den exists because of that very tradition. The final episode of the first season drops in the coming weeks on Paramount+.
