‘Star Trek’ Introduces Its First Queer Klingon — And Fans Are Already Talking

The newest series in the Star Trek universe is starting to make real noise. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has slowly built its story over the first few episodes. By episode six, the show had already shocked fans with a major death, the return of an old villain, and bigger questions about secret Starfleet weapons and hidden spies.

Now episode seven has sparked even more talk online. This time, the focus is on Jay-Den Kraag, played by Karim Diane. The episode strongly confirms that Jay-Den, a Klingon cadet, is queer. While the show does not give him a specific label, the story makes it clear that he is in a romantic relationship with human War College student Kyle Djokovic.

In the episode, Jay-Den and Kyle share a kiss on the cheek and a warm embrace. Their body language leaves little doubt about their connection. The confirmation did not stop there. Actor George Hawkins, Jay-Den’s co-star, spoke to ScreenRant and made things clearer. He said, “Jay-Den’s place in that role is obviously romantic. There’s romantic interest there.”

The episode also spends a lot of time on another character, Darem, a Khionian student who is dealing with an arranged marriage. Jay-Den ends up caught in the middle of the situation and is asked to be Darem’s best man. As the wedding plans fall apart, the bond between Jay-Den and Darem grows stronger. The story hints that Jay-Den may also have feelings for Darem.

Hawkins explained this dynamic further in his interview with ScreenRant. He said, “The relationship between Jay-Den and Darem is really interesting because Jay-Den plays a mirror to Darem. Jay-Den is a really sobering person and character in Darem’s story because he calls him out. He’s the first person at the Academy to actually tell him the truth about who he is, that he is sort of a coward, really, and he has a mask. Jay-Den sees behind that mask, and it’s a really beautiful thing to witness in this episode, especially.”

He continued, “Jay-Den’s place in that role is obviously romantic. There’s romantic interest there. But deeper than that, not just attraction, but the reason why these two people sort of get closer and closer, I think, is because they bring something out of each other, and that thing that they bring out is the truth.”

This creates a possible love triangle. Jay-Den appears committed to Kyle, but there are signs he may also care for Darem. The show has not confirmed Darem’s sexuality. It also has not said if this era of Star Trek uses clear labels.

This storyline is important because of Klingon culture. In earlier shows like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Klingons were shown as strongly loyal to one partner. Fans may remember how Worf reacted strongly to the idea of cheating in that series. Klingon relationships were often serious and lifelong.

If Jay-Den were to cheat or even struggle with feelings for two people at once, it could signal a shift in how Klingon culture is shown. Some fans may welcome the change. Others may question it.

Starfleet Academy still has several episodes left this season. The mystery around the spy, the missing mother played by Tatiana Maslany, and the future of these cadets are all still in play. For now, Jay-Den’s story has clearly become one of the most talked-about parts of the show.

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