Ouright International Recognizes the Cast of 'Star Trek: Discovery'

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY’s Anthony Rapp and Wilson Cruz.

JUNE 13, 2023 - The cast of Star Trek: Discovery were recognized by Outright International, a global human rights organization dedicated to the advancement of LGBTIQ rights, at its 27th Celebration of Courage awards gala at Pier Sixty in New York City. This event aims to honor individuals and organizations at the forefront of the fight for LGBTIQ equality worldwide. Among this year's other honorees are the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (ECADE) and Google.org.

Renowned drag queen and trailblazer, BeBe Zahara Benet, best known as the inaugural winner of RuPaul's Drag Race, served as the evening's host.

Outright International's executive director, Maria Sjödin, expressed her admiration for the tireless efforts of LGBTIQ champions worldwide. These individuals include activists, policymakers, corporate leaders, philanthropists, and social influencers who work relentlessly to ensure the rights and well-being of LGBTIQ individuals are protected. The Celebration of Courage gala serves as a platform to acknowledge and thank these change-makers while recommitting to the ongoing battle for equality.

The Outspoken Award, a special recognition celebrating authentic LGBTIQ representation, will be presented to the queer members of the cast and production team of Star Trek: Discovery. This includes esteemed actors Wilson Cruz, Anthony Rapp, Blu del Barrio, Tig Notaro, Mary Wiseman, and executive producer Michelle Paradise. 

The Star Trek franchise has long championed values of diversity, inclusion, and authentic storytelling, which closely align with Outright International's vision. The queer cast members of Star Trek: Discovery have become global icons, using their platform to elevate the visibility and voices of millions of queer individuals worldwide who face discrimination and adversity daily.

Wilson Cruz, a cast member and activist, expressed the significance of the show's impact on the LGBTQ+ community, stating, "Through the show, the LGBTIQ community is being seen and heard in the ways we want to be seen and heard, as our truest selves, as the heroes of our own stories and our own fight for dignity and equality."

Michelle Paradise, executive producer of Star Trek: Discovery, acknowledged the importance of Outright International's recognition and the power of storytelling in advancing positive portrayals of the queer community worldwide.

As Outright International continues its unwavering commitment to global LGBTIQ rights, the Celebration of Courage awards gala serves as a testament to the remarkable achievements made by individuals and organizations in championing equality. Through their dedication and unwavering support, these honorees exemplify the transformative power of activism and inspire others to join the fight for a more inclusive and equitable world for all.