Star Trek: Discovery will introduce the franchise’s first non-binary and transgender characters in season three.
Blu del Barrio will play the show’s first non-binary character, named Adira, in their television debut. Ian Alexander will play Gray, becoming the first transgender actor in the Trek universe.
“Star Trek has always made a mission of giving visibility to underrepresented communities because it believes in showing people that a future without division on the basis of race, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation is entirely within our reach,” said Michelle Paradise, co-showrunner and executive producer of Discovery. “We take pride in working closely with Blu del Barrio, Ian Alexander and Nick Adams at GLAAD to create the extraordinary characters of Adira and Gray, and bring their stories to life with empathy, understanding, empowerment and joy.”
Del Barrio’s Adira is highly intelligent, confident and self-assured beyond their years. Upon joining the crew of the U.S.S Discovery, Adira finds a new home and forms bonds with Lt. Commander Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp) and Dr. Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz).
Gray, meanwhile, is empathetic, warm and eager to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a Trill host, but will have to adapt when his life takes an unexpected turn.
Del Barrio auditioned for the role of Adira while in their final year at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Discovery will be their first TV credit. Alexander, the first out transgender Asian American to act on TV, counts Netflix’s The OA and video game The Last of Us Part II among his credits.
Season three of Star Trek: Discovery is set to premiere Oct. 15 on CBS All Access.
