SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 - Malissa Longo is known to Star Trek fans as the widow of Aron Eisenberg, but she is so much more than that. An actress in her own right, Longo has appeared in films, television, commercials, and on the stage. A self-proclaimed introvert, she runs the website The Introverted Republic, where, among other things, she sells art, dubbed ”Walking Art Made by Malissa,” which includes an LLAP Collection.

You can find Longo on most of the socials, including X, Instagram, and Facebook.

It has often been said that Star Trek fandom is unlike any other in the world. I find this to be true every time I go to the annual convention in Vegas.

The franchise has been capturing the imaginations of audiences for more than half a century. With its progressive storytelling, Trek is a glimpse into humanity’s possibility. A future where, instead of trying to conquer each other and other species, we tried to learn and coexist with those who were different from ourselves.

When the powers-that-be tried to shut down these stories, it was the fans that reignited Trek’s spark—unwilling to relinquish the hope that Trek brought to the world. This passionate fervor and love for the franchise could still be felt within the walls of the Rio Resort in Las Vegas this past August.

Being at an STLV event is like stepping into another world. Time stands still for a week. Costumes roam the halls. Images of beloved characters smile back at attendees. Theaters fill to hear from our favorite guests. There are reunions between cherished friends. Many of these friendships are sustained via online means. Then once a year, this chosen family comes together to celebrate and demonstrate the message this franchise has tried to promote since its inception.

While there are a multitude of conventions that celebrate popular culture, there are few that rival the magic Star Trek has inspired. Since 1972, fans have gathered with their families for the chance to live the philosophy of (Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations (IDIC). Generation after generation of families flock to these celebrations of acceptance and inclusion. This familial connection bleeds into the hearts and minds of those who have ventured into this vast universe.

My experience with Star Trek conventions is a unique one. I started attending conventions with my late husband, Aron Eisenberg (Nog from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). I fell in love with them almost as quickly as I fell in love with him.

To witness his interactions with fans was a thing of beauty. He was receptive to every person that approached his table. He never rushed his moment with anyone. This unique curiosity about others added something special to the convention experience.

September 21st marks the fourth anniversary of Aron’s passing. This is a difficult month to visit every year. However, attending the convention every August has helped to build up armor for the month to follow. A fitting coping mechanism, as Aron was as big a fan of fandom as I am. He loved the work of going to conventions! Even if this work could be exhaustive at times, it nourished his soul. This nourishment led to the creation of a YouTube show called The 7th Rule. Aron’s dream for this show was to strengthen and expand this unique family of Trek fandom.

In a prophetic moment, Aron made it clear during its formation that he wanted The 7th Rule to continue on for as long as possible. Even if a day would come when he could no longer take part. This extension of this community was so important to him. Through the dedication and tenacity of Aron’s co-hosts, Cirroc Lofton (Jake Sisko) and Ryan T. Husk, The 7th Rule has blossomed in their nurturing hands. Their partnership and brotherhood is a beautiful thing to witness.

I am grateful to them for not only carrying on Aron’s dream but for creating a space for me in that dream as well. Shortly after Aron’s passing, in-person conventions ceased for an entire year due to the pandemic. Out of this isolation sprung the brainchild of Ryan T Husk - the very first, week-long, free online convention called Virtual Trek Con (VTC). It, like The 7th Rule, had content featuring special celebrity guests from all parts of the Trek universe, as well as a strong connection to fans and fandom.

A team of long-time Trek fans gathered to put together an event to help ease a void that isolation brought during the loneliest times of COVID. Virtual Trek Con was so well received that the team has since produced subsequent online conventions.

VTC has expanded to creating two more live shows (The Main Viewer and Star Trek and Chill), as well as the LLAPy Awards, the very first awards show dedicated to celebrating Trek. Trek fandom is incredible in that it is so much bigger than one person or one show or one studio. It is an idea. A dream carved and shaped by millions. It’s a dream that has endured for more than 57 years.

Will there always be work to be done to improve ourselves as a species? Sure! However, we all play our part in that journey. Every event, convention, online chat, every podcast that talks about this universe adds to that dream. This is what makes this fandom so special. Our shared stewardship of this dream of IDIC.