Mr Sulu Comes Out As Gay In Star Trek Beyond

‘Star Trek’ is finally catching up with the 21st century as it’s been revealed that Mr. Sulu will be portrayed as a gay man in this summer’s ‘Star Trek Beyond’.

Hikaru Sulu, as played by John Cho, is shown to be in a same-sex marriage and father to a daughter, according to Australia’s Herald Sun, adding “in typical trailblazing Trek fashion — it’s just not a big deal.”

Cho told the paper the decision was made by director Justin Lin and screenwriter Simon Pegg “as a nod” to George Takei who played the character in the original TV series and subsequent movies.

“I liked the approach, which was not to make a big thing out it, which is where I hope we are going as a species, to not politicise one’s personal orientations,” said Cho.

Takei is openly gay now, but he had to hide his sexual orientation back in the 60s over fears it would ruin his career. He’s an active campaigner for LGBT rights and he recently called for the community to lead the charge on gun reforms in America in the wake of the Orlando night club shooting that left 49 people dead.

This isn’t the first time ‘Star Trek’ has been at the forefront of on screen diversity either having been the first American TV series to show an interracial kiss on screen back in 1968.

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‘Star Trek Beyond’ is in cinemas from 22 July. Watch a trailer below.

Image credits: Paramount/Associated Press Photos