Where no man has gone before

Maclean's, July 22, 1991

The top-rated Star Trek: The Next Generation is the latest TV show to face pressure from a special-interest group. The Gaylactic Network, a Boston-based organization for homosexual science-fiction fans, wants future Star Trek episodes to feature gay characters.

Said spokesman Franklin Hummel, who is spearheading an international letter-writing campaign: "The series offers a vision of the future in which humanity has put aside its differences to live peace together. However, in 25 years, Star Trek has never shown an openly gay character." But executive producer Gene Roddenberry is balking. Said Susan Sackett, a spokesman for Roddenberry: "Any decision to have a gay character appear would depend on the importance of the character's sexual orientation to the story."

Do not beam them up just yet, Scotty.

Picture: Star Trek cast. "A push for open homosexuality"