40 Star Trek actors and artists stand against hate in the “Trek For Equality”
Trek Against Hate image StarTrek.com
JUNE 3, 2021 - 40 actors and artists known for their work on Star Trek have endorsed a new initiative called “Trek For Equality,” drawing attention to organizations that fight intolerance and inequality, as reported earlier this week in a story on StarTrek.com.
Freelance writer Jay Stobie reached out to Armin Shimerman and wife Kitty Swink to launch the movement, intended, as Stobie describes it, to “rally our community around a collection of organizations that have worked tirelessly to remedy various forms of injustice.”
In a statement signed by such Star Trek notables as Wilson Cruz, Gates McFadden, Alexander Siddig, and Rod Roddenberry, “Trek For Equality” encourages fans to learn more about organizations that are seeking to “overcome intolerance and embrace equality.” The statement finds deep resonance with the values of Star Trek, declaring, “If we have learned anything from the inclusive and optimistic future envisioned by Star Trek, it is that we must take bold steps and support those who offer genuine solutions to the problems that oppose the forward-thinking values that we cherish.”
Five social justice organizations working in areas of racial injustice, LGBTQ+ rights, AAPI concerns, women’s rights, and gun law reform are highlighted in the statement, with a call for readers to not only learn, but also get involved as much as possible.
In reflecting on the mission of “Trek For Equality,” Armin Shimerman even coined a new, unofficial Rule of Acquisition, saying, “It's not enough to personally live long and prosper, we must also seek that blessing for our friends, neighbors, and community. Rule of Acquisition #251: ‘Humanity is all our business.’”
You can read the full statement and learn more about the featured organizations by visiting StarTrek.com.
Jack Brown is a contributing writer for Daily Star Trek News on the Roddenberry Podcast Network. Jack teaches at a small film school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and also helps to manage his wife's career as a novelist and speaker. In his spare time he writes fiction, cooks, and watches classic movies.
