Star Trek star Wil Wheaton ‘loves’ that gay kids crushed on space twink Wesley Crusher
Wil Wheaton as Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation (YouTube)
If you ever had the hots for the eternal space twink that is Wesley Crusher, know that you weren’t alone – and Wil Wheaton is here for you.
Star Trek‘s jaunty-jumpered boy genius who may or may not be Picard’s secret son is far from everyone’s fantasy, but for many thirsty 13-year-olds, resistance was futile.
Wil Wheaton acknowledged his character’s queer appeal in a Facebook post celebrating the few young Trekkies who weren’t fundamentally irritated by Wesley’s precocious antics.
“Over the years, I’ve met several men who have told me that their childhood crush on Wesley Crusher was a big part of them coming out and living their lives with joy and love and pride,” Wheaton wrote.
“I can not even begin to tell you how much this means to me. I love it so much that I, and some of my work, were there for people (when I didn’t even know it was happening) who needed a safe place.
“Happy Pride, you lovely and perfect humans,” he added. “I, and Wesley Crusher, see you, and we absolutely adore you.”
As the post went viral, Wheaton’s wife, Anne Wheaton, also weighed in on Twitter.
“Over the years, I’ve had men tell me they had a crush on Wesley Crusher and then immediately apologise to me for it. Don’t apologise!” she said.
“We both love that his character helped you figure out who you are. And I love that Wil wrote a Facebook post about it. Happy Pride, friends.”
Her message brought forth a flood of messages from seasoned fans who proudly confessed to crushing on young Crusher back in the day.
I’m one of them! And Star Trek was something I shared with my grandfather. He had me over to watch the TNG premiere. So many good memories, including of Wes.
— Dan Ryan (@dryan) June 5, 2021
Omg, was most definitely me — Wil’s “Wesley Crusher” had such an impact on me, and it was a crush. It was a good crush to start with, tho, for real — “Wesley” may have been a gift, but so is Wil. Wil is a good egg and a credit to Star Trek, acting and humankind. Hugs to you both!
— Super Powered Mobile Robot GAY Space Lion’s Paw (@ComplexNobody) June 6, 2021
❤️????????
I definitely had a crush on Wesley when I was a kid, even before I understood what I was feeling or why he was my favorite TNG character.Nowadays, I must admit I have a bigger crush on Marlowe. I just want to scritch those ears!!!
— Andy Mallon #BlackLivesMatter✊?✊?✊? (@AMtwo) June 5, 2021
As beautiful as Gates McFadden is, it was my crush on Wesley Crusher & Brent Spiner that helped me figure out who I am. Little did I know I’d end up looking like a “William T. Riker.”
What a wonderful message!— @?️?Tyger?️? (@ResisTyger) June 8, 2021
I too had a crush on this character when I was 12 and I stand in solidarity with my brothers who had excellent taste in fictional crushes. We love you guys!
— TheDyslexicLibrarian (@Bookgal1977) June 6, 2021
And they’ll be pleased to hear that Dr Crusher has given her blessing.
Wesley’s on-screen mum, actress Gates McFadden, tweeted: “Proud of my space son for writing this! Love you for posting space daughter-in-law.”
