How to explain the lack of Homosexuals in the Star Trek Universe? The Eugenic's Wars?

[Sonikku]

It might be simply because back then in the late 80s, early 90s when TNG started, networks were not obsessed with this "urgency" to display PC and "equality" like on today's so-called "reality TV" shows. There was simply not "need" to have a homosexual in the show, and frankly no-one gave a hoot there wasn't.

On the other hand, TNG was rather progressive (yeah I mean it), with other stuff, touching subjects like religion, morals etc. but often in subtle ways.

Except there was a plot written for TNG that involved gays and the passage of an illness (correlated with the panic over Aids in America at the time). It got vetoed on account of suits fearing rocking the boat and offending people that in part supported the cash cow. I the think the best thing about ToS is that it wasn't a big franchise yet. Less was at stake. Yeah, the networks probably didn't have "urgency" to have women in leadership roles or a need to outright condemn issues of racism like in "Balance of Terror". But the show did anyway, which supported the idea of equality, diversity and acceptance of differences.

 

[flexy]

I actually wanted to add to my post that back in the mid 80s when they started making TNG, homosexuality was still much more associated with AIDS. So it was more of a "problem subject" than what it is today where it's about equality and being PC.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Exactly my point above. There may not be an explanation. It's very likely no one wrote one. Even if they did, it would still be something someone just made up. It's all fictional after all.

I know that's obvious, but it's funny to me how people treat fiction the same as reality, looking up history on it as if it means much.

There doesn't even need to be one. I posted this earlier, but here are some percentages for the chance that there are NO gay characters given the current <4% rate for being LGBT:

Chance of NO gay characters:

5 cast members = .96^5 = 81% chance of none
10 cast members = .96^10 = 66.48% none
15 cast members = .96^15 = 54.21% none

So even looking at the 15 top recurring characters in TNG there's only a 46% chance that at least one of them would be LGBT.

 

[blankslate]

They're just good on keeping it on the DL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_ZpCfsSnzA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZWaWrvJ7nA

....

 

[Childs]

There doesn't even need to be one. I posted this earlier, but here are some percentages for the chance that there are NO gay characters given the current <4% rate for being LGBT:

Chance of NO gay characters:

5 cast members = .96^5 = 81% chance of none
10 cast members = .96^10 = 66.48% none
15 cast members = .96^15 = 54.21% none

So even looking at the 15 top recurring characters in TNG there's only a 46% chance that at least one of them would be LGBT.

The thing about your percentages is that is assumes the rate you are using is accurate. As we find out over and over again, just because someone doesnt check gay on a survey doesnt mean they aren't gay. I dont know what a good number would be though, but those kinds of stats shouldn't have any bearing on characters in a story. If thats the case, the crew members would have been mostly black or asian (includes Indians). And also aliens are underrepresented. Remember, The United Federation of Planets isn't a country organization, or even human, but galactic.

And that obviously goes both ways. If the creator and writers had no stories to tell that involved characters where sexual orientation mattered, then thats the way it is. But if someone wants to feel included, they could always assume some of the 400 other crew members on the ship were. Make believe stuff is cool that way.

 

[DaveSimmons]

A quick Google search turned up 2.2% - 3.8% for the LGBT population, so I used a bit above the highest estimates.

I agree that the creators and writers aren't bound by current population rates. All I was attempting to show is that nothing like genetic engineering (or the Sith) is needed to justify not having a gay main character. Having a bridge crew member be gay would actually be against the odds for humans.

 

[SP33Demon]

I actually wanted to add to my post that back in the mid 80s when they started making TNG, homosexuality was still much more associated with AIDS. So it was more of a "problem subject" than what it is today where it's about equality and being PC.

Very good point. How many major sitcoms were touching gays+AIDS in the 80's?

 

[AMCRambler]

I'd like to know why Riker tries to hump every swiggity swooty alien booty that ends up on the show. Guy has to have the biggest case of extraterrestrial herps in the universe. Also how's he not grossed out when he gets a look at the downstairs mix ups on them? Ugh!

 

[Paratus]

I'd like to know why Riker tries to hump every swiggity swooty alien booty that ends up on the show. Guy has to have the biggest case of extraterrestrial herps in the universe. Also how's he not grossed out when he gets a look at the downstairs mix ups on them? Ugh!

I'm actually more concerned about Rikers chair sitting technique.

 

[feralkid]

I'd like to know why Riker tries to hump every swiggity swooty alien booty that ends up on the show. Guy has to have the biggest case of extraterrestrial herps in the universe. Also how's he not grossed out when he gets a look at the downstairs mix ups on them? Ugh!

He was as much the explorer as Kirk.

 

[SirStev0]

I'm actually more concerned about Rikers chair sitting technique.

/liked

 

[mmntech]

I'm actually more concerned about Rikers chair sitting technique.

Just a reflex from straddling all that alien booty. Plus it's rumoured that the manspreading is due to other related gifts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVIGhYMwRgs

 

[Paratus]

Just a reflex from straddling all that alien booty. Plus it's rumoured that the manspreading is due to other related gifts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVIGhYMwRgs

We shall call it "The Riker Manuever"
(Sometimes YouTube comments are good for something)

Spoiler

(I actually heard Frakes had a bad back which is why he sits down without bending over.)

 

[Ruptga]

Spoiler

(I actually heard Frakes had a bad back which is why he sits down without bending over.)

I don't know about that either way, but he is 6'4", and as someone of that height I can tell you sometimes it's just convenient to not bother with the usual pull out/scoot in dance. Plus it tends to look overstated, which matches his character's swagger. I always thought that's all it was.