Star Trek writer rebukes fan offended by gay storyline
A Star Trek writer has attacked a fan who claimed to be offended by a gay storyline.
David Mack – who wrote two episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – has authored many of the expanded universe books, including 2005 novel Harbinger, which contains a lesbian affair between characters T’Prynn and Lurqal.
One fan, who objected to the storyline, wrote to Mack: “I purchased and started reading your book, Harbinger and stopped when I got to the part where the Vulcan was having a homosexual affair with the Klingon spy.
“I deleted the book from my E-reader and will never purchase another volume authored by David Mack. You can call me a homophobe or use any other excuse you choose to write me off but the truth is homosexually [sic] is not universally accepted and I get to decided [sic] what I read and I choose not to read any more of your work.”
Mack posted the letter and a lengthy response on his blog.
He wrote in part: “If he thinks the fear of alienating a few closed-minded readers is going to stop me from writing stories that feature and promote characters of diverse backgrounds— including LGBTQ characters, persons of color, and people who belong to ideological or philosophical minorities — he must be out of his mind.
“I’m a fucking Star Trek writer.
“Those of us who write the licensed Trek fiction continue to do our best to depict a more progressive, enlightened, open, and harmonious future, not just for humanity but for all sentient beings.
“I will never be made to feel shame for doing this. I am proud that we’ve been able to do this.
“Whenever someone asks ‘why do we need to keep talking about embracing diversity in stories, and seeking out diversity in the authors and creators and portrayers of speculative fiction?’, I will say it’s because too many authors and artists and filmmakers still get letters like this one.
“We need to work toward a better future in which no one would even *think* of writing an e-mail like this.”
