The latest chapter in the Star Trek franchise is already making history, but for one young actor, making that history came with a lot of personal worry. Karim Diané, the 23-year-old actor who plays Jay-Den Kraag on Paramount+‘s Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, has opened up about the fear he felt when taking on the role of the very first queer Klingon in the franchise’s nearly 60-year history.
The series, which debuted its first two episodes on January 15, 2026, introduced fans to a new generation of Starfleet cadets studying in the 32nd century . Among them is Jay-Den Kraag, a gentle, science-minded Klingon cadet training to be a medical officer. In the show’s seventh episode, it is confirmed that Jay-Den is in a romantic relationship with another male cadet, making him a groundbreaking figure in Star Trek lore .
But for Diané, bringing this character to life on screen meant preparing for reactions off screen that he knew could get very personal.
Karim Diané Opens Up About His Fears Playing Jay-Den Kraag
On February 19, 2026, Diané took to his official Instagram account to share his honest thoughts about portraying such an important character. In a post that quickly got attention from fans and media outlets, he admitted that the role came with a heavy emotional weight .
“I won’t pretend that I wasn’t scared to take on this role. Part of me still is. Not because of the character himself, but because I knew the reaction that could come with it,” Diané wrote alongside a photo of his character .
The actor explained that he understood from the very beginning the kind of attention this role would bring. He knew that some people would not be able to separate him from the character he plays.
“I knew there would be people who would blur the line between who I play on screen and who I am in real life, and that much of that response would be rooted in homophobia, racism, bigotry. I knew that by stepping into this role, a lot of that heat would come directly to me” .
It was a raw and honest admission from a young actor just starting his career in one of the most famous science fiction franchises in the world.
Why the Support from LGBTQ+ Fans Matters Most
Despite preparing for the worst, Diané revealed that the actual response from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive in a way that truly matters to him. While there has been some backlash, the good has far outweighed the bad .
“But what matters more is this: over the past few weeks since this show premiered, I’ve received countless messages from LGBTQ+ people around the world… people who feel seen, validated, and inspired by Jay-Den. Those messages outweigh every bit of negativity. Every single time” .
For Diané, those personal messages from fans who connect with his character have made all the difference. He sees his role as part of a much larger tradition that goes back to the very beginning of Star Trek.
Honoring Gene Roddenberry’s Original Vision
In his Instagram post, Diané made sure to point out that his character is not breaking from Star Trek tradition—he is continuing it. He referenced the creator of the original series, Gene Roddenberry, who imagined a future where humanity moved past its old prejudices .
“From its very first episode nearly 60 years ago, Gene Roddenberry’s vision was never about preserving the familiar. He imagined a future that expanded who gets to be seen, heard, and valued. A future where diversity isn’t merely tolerated, but celebrated,” Diané wrote .
He specifically pointed to the Vulcan philosophy of “Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations,” a concept that has been central to Star Trek since the beginning.
“Jay-Den doesn’t exist outside of that tradition. He exists because of it. ‘Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations’ isn’t just a catchy phrase Roddenberry tossed around. I believe he truly meant it” .
The actor ended his message by saying he feels “incredibly lucky to be part of a show that still believes in saying something meaningful” .
Fans Show Love for the New Star Trek Character
Following Diané’s post, fans flooded the comments section with messages of support and appreciation. Many praised both the actor and the character for what they bring to the Star Trek universe.
One fan wrote, “It’s a wonderful character and I’m glad it’s being played by someone who understands the context within and out of Trek and has lived experience to back it up… new Star Trek has always received flack when first released… if only certain people remembered that about their old favourites” .
Another fan shared, “I love Jay-Den and your portrayal of this complex character. As a gay Trekkie of color, I totally embrace all that Jay-Den and Academy celebrate” .
A third comment read, “You are a wonderful welcome addition to this franchise. Thank you for sharing your passion and your artistry with Star Trek. Thank you for being brave. Jay-Den is incredible and so are you” .
Who Is Jay-Den Kraag in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy?
For those who are just catching up with the new series, Jay-Den Kraag is a full-blooded Klingon from the House of Kraag . He is one of the cadets at the newly reopened Starfleet Academy, studying to become a medical officer. Unlike the aggressive, warrior-focused Klingons often seen in earlier series like The Next Generation or Deep Space Nine, Jay-Den is described as more gentle and science-focused .
The character was introduced in the very first episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy and has been developed throughout the season. In episode seven, his romantic storyline comes into focus. The show makes it clear that Jay-Den is queer, showing his affection for another male cadet, Kyle Djokovic, played by Dale Whibley . There are also hints of a deeper emotional connection with another cadet named Darem, played by George Hawkins .
George Hawkins spoke about this dynamic in an interview with ScreenRant, explaining, “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” .
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About Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is the newest addition to the Star Trek franchise, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026 . The series focuses on a new generation of cadets training to become Starfleet officers in the 32nd century, following the events of Star Trek: Discovery .
The show features an impressive cast led by Oscar winner Holly Hunter as the Academy’s Chancellor. Paul Giamatti plays a villain named Nus Braka, who is part Klingon and part Tellarite. The series also brings back familiar faces, including Robert Picardo reprising his role as the Doctor from Star Trek: Voyager and Tig Notaro returning as Commander Jett Reno from Discovery . In a fun twist, Stephen Colbert provides the voice of the Academy’s digital Dean of Students .
The first season consists of 10 episodes. The first two dropped on January 15, with new episodes releasing weekly through March 12, 2026 . The show has already been renewed for a second season .
Early reviews for the series have been mostly positive. Collider called it “the best Star Trek series of the modern era,” while The Wrap said it is “a nostalgic treat for Trekkies while also being something completely new” .
For viewers around the world, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is available to stream on Paramount+ in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In India, the series is available on JioCinema. Other regions can check their local Paramount+ availability or streaming services that carry the channel.
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