From: JoeLibGNN@AOL.COM Date: Tue, 1 Jun 1999 16:16:37 EDT Subject: Gay and Lesbians finally included in Star Trek universe To: info@trekkies2.com

Dear Denise & Mr. Nygard:

Thanks so much for such a wonderful and wacky look and the extensive world of Star Trek Fandom. I am a big time fan of the original Star Trek and am thankful for the fact that so much screen time of Trekkies was spent on the stars of the original series. I loved hearing stories by Scotty and Bones. I appreciated the fact that so much effort went into obtaining interviews with everyone from classic trek from Kirk and Spock, to Nurse Chapel & even Rand.

The single most important part of your documentary film, for me, was the fact that a gay couple was shown several times in the film. And that no big deal was made. It was matter of fact. Just two more people who love the ST universe! Star Trek has always been about exploring the human condition and challenging our selves to think, grow and change who we are to make ourselves something better.

I started watching the original Trek in the 70's and have waited a long time for a gay or lesbian character to be portrayed on Star Trek. The ST franchise is one of the most accepting TV shows in the history of the medium. We all know how the original series featured a black woman, and a Russian. Later shows have featured sex between androids and humans; Klingons, Native Americans, a black and woman all in positions of authority. However, there has never been a gay character or couple in the Star Trek universe, but for two or three issues of the latest Star Trek comics. Gay men and women are not that different. We should not be repulsed or excluded. We need to belong to the Star Trek fandom phenomena as much as anyone else.

There's never been a gay guest, a same sex couple in the back ground or even a gay story (please don't bring up those androgynous people to me - - the one who was obviously a women felt 'wrong' and wanted to be with Riker!) line. On DS9 the fact that Dax is both a man/woman is usually glossed over. When 7 of 9 wanted to know about sex the EMH explained the workings of relations and couple pairings but never mentioned same sex relationships.

Trekkies has shown how many people, both gay and straight, love Star Trek and how their lives have been changed and enriched. Not until your interesting, funny and enjoyable film have I been able to see myself on screen. It was fleeting but glorious moment for me and my partner.

Thanks for showing that gay men and women are a part of the Star Trek World as well as fandom. It was great to see someone like me on the big screen!

J. L.