Star Trek: Discovery introduces first-ever non-binary and trans characters in its third season

Iconic franchise has long been known for celebrating diversity

Star Trek: Discovery has announced it will be introducing its first non-binary and transgender characters in the forthcoming third season.

Deadline reports that actor Blue del Barrio will portray non-binary character Adira, “who is highly intelligent with a confidence and self-assurance well beyond their years”.

Ian Alexander, previously in Netflix’s The OA, will portray the transgender character Gray who is described as “empathetic” and “warm”.

Michelle Paradise, the series’ co-showrunner and executive producer, said of the casting decision, “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.”

Paradise added that the series takes pride in creating “the extraordinary characters of Adira and Gray, and bring their stories to life with empathy, understanding, empowerment and joy”.

‘Star Trek: Discovery’ is the latest iteration of the long-running sci-fi franchise

The iconic franchise created by Gene Roddenberry has long been celebrated for its diversity, so this move does not come as a surprise.

In its first season, Sonequa Martin-Green made history as the first black woman to lead a show in the Star Trek universe.

Actors Anthony Rapp and Wilson Cruz portray Lt Stamets and Dr Culber, the first openly gay characters who are in a same-sex marriage in the franchise.

The third season of Star Trek: Discovery is scheduled to arrive on 15 October.