Zachary Quinto says it’s a ‘bleak and dangerous’ time for the LGBT community
With the release of Star Trek Beyond today (July 22), Zachary Quinto dropped by Time for an interview to promote the film.
Quinto, who stars in Beyond as Spock, opens up about America’s political climate, George Takei’s reaction to gay Sulu and the fight for LGBT equality.
When asked about if it’s a frightening moment to be an LGBT American in today’s society, Quinto says it is.
“There are indicators of the pendulum swinging the other way right now in terms of the political temperature ad the landscape of Trump. It’s absurd to me, but I have to have faith that we’ll endure and triumph.”
He adds, “I am scared. I don’t take anything for granted. I have a lot of people in my life that think there’s no way Trump will win. I don’t believe that for a second. We have to fight with everything we have to continue the path that we’ve been able to gain such ground on in the last five to ten years.”
He adds, “It’s just a bleak and dangerous moment in our geopolitical landscape right now. It’s unprecedented in our lifetime how precariously we’re all perched – not just here in this country but around the world.”
Quinto also addresses George Takei’s comments that Sulu being gay was “disappointing” and he would rather have seen a new gay character.
Quinto said, “I get it. I really love George. He’s an incredible advocate. But I feel like the other side of it carries more weight. The idea of taking this already beloved character and adding another dimension is so powerful for young people, and so powerful as a gesture to the LGBT community, who has long advocated for representation in the Star Trek universe.”
“One of Spock’s most famous sayings is, ‘The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.’ It’s what I wanted to gently remind George of in that moment.”
Star Trek Beyond is the 13th Star Trek film and Quinto states that the films represent the idea that “unity will always overcome hatred.”
You can read the full interview over at Time.
Star Trek Beyond lands in cinemas today (July 22).
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