In a display of unwavering solidarity, Paramount headquarters in Times Square and its studios in Los Angeles recently witnessed an outpouring of support for striking actors and writers within the Star Trek universe. What many reports overlooked, however, was the prominent role played by LGBTQ+ union members in organizing the “United We Trek” demonstrations on both coasts.
Queer actors Wilson Cruz and Melissa Navia, alongside out trans actor Jesse James Keitel, joined actor Ethan Peck and showrunner Akiva Goldsman on the picket line in New York City. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, out gay actors George Takei and Jonathan Del Arco, along with LeVar Burton, Robert Picardo, and other luminaries, marched alongside fans donning Star Trek costumes.
The catalyst for this union of fans, actors, and writers was the celebration of Star Trek’s 57th anniversary on September 8. Jonathan Del Arco, in collaboration with actors John Billingsley, SAG/AFTRA Vice President Michelle Hurd, and Natalia Castellanos, conceived the “United We Trek” demonstration. Del Arco’s ingenious idea to invite fans to join the picket line received enthusiastic support, particularly from LGBTQ+ members of the Writers Guild of America, East.
“The fans are amazing,” remarked Melissa Navia, who portrays Lt. Erica Ortegas on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it probably forever, but these fans are the best.”
Negotiations between Hollywood studios and the Writers Guild of America have been ongoing for nearly a month, while SAG/AFTRA members began picketing 63 days ago. The strike has resulted in almost five months without pay for writers and over two months for actors. Despite the challenges, the demonstrations outside Paramount resonated with chants like “Live Long and Prosper, We Want a Fair Offer,” and “Paramount, let’s engage! We demand a fair wage!”
Actor Wilson Cruz expressed, “This strike has been hard for a lot of people, and our spirits can get low. But I come here to the picket line as many times I can, because this is where you see why we’re fighting and who we’re fighting for. So, yes, this is incredible to be here with all of these Trek people, actors, writers, and fans. This is what it’s all about.”
The “United We Trek” picket in New York also saw the participation of actors Bob Odenkirk and Michael Emerson, members of IATSE, a Star Wars-themed Princess Leia, and three Star Trek novelists—Keith R.A. DeCandido, David Mack, and Michael Jan Friedman.
Despite the duration of the strike, writer, director, and TV producer Charles Randolph Wright remains hopeful. “We keep hoping, that’s all we can do,” he said. “What’s so great about this is all the unions helping each other. That’s the only way we will win.”