‘Star Trek: Discovery’ to introduce first non-binary and transgender characters
'The Last of Us Part II's Ian Alexander is one of the new cast members joining for season three.
By Will Stroude
Star Trek: Discovery is set to mark another franchise milestone with the introduction of the series’ first ever non-binary and transgender characters.
The sci-fi series, which returns for a third season with weekly episodes on Netflix from October 15 in the UK, has cast two gender-diverse actors in the form of Blu Del Barrio and The OA’s Ian Alexander, Deadline reports.
The OA’s Ian Alexander will join Star Trek: Discovery in its upcoming third season (Image: Luke Fontana)
Alexander, 19, is best known for their role as Buck in the supernatural Netflix series. They identify as trans-masculine and pansexual and recently lent their voice acting talents to video game The Last of Us Part II, where they played trans teen Lev.
Meanwhile, screen newcomer Del Barrio, who identifies as non-binary, recently graduated from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Blu Del Barrio
Star Trek: Discovery has already made franchise history with its inclusion of the seres first ever same-sex couple in the form of Lieutenant Stamets (Anthony Rapp) and Dr. Culber (Wilson Cruz), and the latest casting demonstrates a commitment to keeping the show as diverse as the galaxies it’s set in.
“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.
“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.”
Star: Trek Discovery season three premieres on Netflix on 15 October in the UK, with new episodes airing weekly.