Even though they were nominated for numerous Emmy awards, Star Trek did not win any Emmys this year. Despite their lack of wins, Star Trek had a huge presence in this year's Emmy ceremony. 

There was a montage titled “75 years of memorable TV” in which they played the top moments of television over the past 75 years. Kirk and Uhura’s kiss, the first interracial kiss to be featured on television, was played second! In addition to that, Star Trek actors Annie Wersching and Kirstie Alley came up in the montage of the performers we lost last year. Annie Wersching had her television debut in the Star Trek: Enterprise episode “Oasis” and also played the Borg Queen in Star Trek: Picard season 2. Kirstie Alley made her film debut as Saavik in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. 

However, the most exciting moment for Star Trek fans during this year's Emmy ceremony was when Wilson Cruz went on stage to accept the Governor's Award for GLAAD. The Governor's Award is given to that individual, company or organization who has made a long lasting or transformational contribution to the arts or television. This year the award was presented to GLAAD, or the The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, for their outstanding work in advocating for LGBTQ representation in TV.  GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis accepted the award with Liz Jenkins (Chair of the Board of Directors), Rich Ferraro (GLAAD’s CCO), Nick Adams (VP of trans representation), Anthony Allen Ramos (VP of Communications & Talent), Christel Miller (member GLAAD Board of Directors), and Cruz, who plays Dr Culber on Star Trek: Discovery.

Though we know Cruz for his outstanding work on Discovery his career spans much beyond that. He was the first out gay actor to play an out gay character on television when he played Rickie Vasquez on My So-Called Life. His connection with GLAAD dates back to far before these Emmys. He served as Director of Entertainment Industry Advocacy and as a National Spokesperson at GLAAD. In addition to that he received The Vito Russo Award from GLAAD in 2022 which is an award presented to a LGBTQ media professional who has made a significant difference in accelerating LGBTQ acceptance.

Being asked to accept this award is a huge honor for Cruz and we here at DSTN are all super proud of him! You can watch the full acceptance speech below.. If you want to support GLAAD in all the amazing work they do for LGBTQ acceptance both in and out of television you can donate here.