Star Trek: Starfleet Academy actor Karim Diane is writing one of the stories that will be included in this year's Star Trek Celebrations comic.
Star Trek Celebrations is IDW's annual celebration of queer love across the Star Trek universe. This year's issue, which will be available at the end of May, will include six different LGBTQIA+-inspired stories featuring characters from Lower Decks, Picard, Voyager, and Starfleet Academy.
Diane, who plays queer Klingon cadet Jay-Den Kraag in Starfleet Academy, will write a story called "Klingdons Don't Flirt," with art from Andrew Drilon and Katherine Shuda and lettering by Jodie Troutman. We don't have specific details, but it looks like the story will further explore the relationship between Jay-Den and Kyle, a cadet from the War College.
Diane's character Jay-Den was one of the bright spots of Starfleet Academy, marking a major milestone for representation as the franchise's first openly gay Klingdon. His story is one of six to be included in Star Trek Celebrations, alongside:
“Girlfriends”
- Story by Ashley Cooper
- Art by Jack Lawrence
Mx. T’Lir’s Night Out
- Story by Ben Kahn
- Art by Mikael Lindeberg
- Colors by JP Jordan
Worst-Case Scenario Protocol
- Story by Meghan Fitzmartin
- Art by J. Clarke
- Colors by Xenon Honchar
Klingons Don’t Flirt
- Story by Karim Diané
- Art by Andrew Drilon
- Colors by Katherine Shuda
Love’s First Bloom
- Story by Jarrett Melendez
- Art by Kiku Hughes
- Colors by Bex Glendining
Lovesick
- Story by Jamila Rowser
- Art by Helena Janečić
- Lettering in all stories by Jodie Troutman
“Star Trek is, and always has been, about envisioning a future in which we band together beneath the flag of infinite diversity in infinite combinations. Celebrations represents a small glimpse at that future,” said Cassandra Jones, IDW’s associate editor on the one-shot. “Together, we have created a book that emphasizes going boldly means putting your heart on the line, proclaiming you belong, and fighting for the rights of all those who share in this universe alongside us. On behalf of myself and the team, we hope you enjoy the stories we’ve collected and join in with us for a joyful revelry!”
Star Trek Celebrations will go on sale May 27 with pre-orders available until April 20.
As for Starfleet Academy, Paramount+ CBS Studios recently announced that the series will end after its second season, which has already been filmed. Diane has been one of the more outspoken actors regarding the show's cancellation, leaning into criticism of his character with humor and pride. Following the cancellation news, Diane took to social media to thank fans, while hyping up Season 2 as "GAY AF." He vowed to be "even and more annoying about this beautiful gay Klingon," adding that he plans to go out "in flames."
He also recently addressed the backlash he received for portraying the first gay Klingon in Star Trek, pointing out that the franchise has "always ruffled feathers" and noted the importance of inclusion.