Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is ending with its second season, but Karim Diane isn’t backing away from celebrating what the show means to him.
The actor, who plays Klingon cadet Jay-Den Kraag, has already teased that the remaining episodes will lean further into the LGBTQ+ representation introduced in Season 1. Now, he’s offered another preview of what fans, and the show’s critics, can expect.
Speaking with TrekMovie, Diane was asked whether he could share anything about the upcoming season without getting himself in trouble.
“Without getting in trouble, no. But I can say… If anybody was excited by seeing gay things in the first season, ba-by!” he said, laughing. “If anybody was upset by gay things in the first season, prepare to be pissed off.”
These comments follow Diane’s response to the show’s cancellation back in March, when he described Season 2 as “GAY AF” and promised to keep sharing behind-the-scenes footage celebrating his character. At the time, he also thanked viewers for supporting Jay-Den and described the second season as the first with everything turned up.
Jay-Den’s introduction as an openly gay Klingon made him one of Starfleet Academy’s most discussed characters. His ambition to become a doctor, along with his pacifism, also offered a different perspective on a species traditionally associated with warriors and battle. While some viewers embraced that approach, others questioned whether it fit their understanding of Klingons.
The debate also became part of the wider backlash against the show’s progressive themes, with some detractors dismissing Starfleet Academy as too “woke.” Whether that backlash contributed to its cancellation remains a matter of speculation. Asked what he hopes future Star Trek creatives will carry forward, Diane emphasized telling stories about people with different backgrounds and experiences.
“Include people, that’s the only thing that I hope for Star Trek moving forward," he said. "Include real people. People look so different. I look so different from you, I am so different from you, and you are different from me. I hope that we both can continue to see ourselves when we watch this TV show.”
His comments echo concerns recently raised by co-star Robert Picardo. As we previously reported, the Doctor actor suggested that the political climate and hostility toward diversity contributed to the reaction surrounding Starfleet Academy. Picardo also expressed hope that future Star Trek projects would preserve the franchise’s values.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 2 will serve as the final season of the short-lived series. Are you looking forward to seeing how it ends?