George Takei

#GeorgeTakei (April 20, 1937 – ): Born to Japanese-American parents, Takei’s family was relocated to internment camps during #WorldWarII (he had relatives who were killed in #Hiroshima), both in California and in Arkansas. Upon the war, Takei’s family had no money, home, or business to look after, and they lived on #SkidRow for five years. After graduating high school, he studied at #UCBerkeley before transferring to #UCLA where he received both his BA and MA in theatre. His career in #Hollywood began as he did English voiceover acting for Japanese monster films (#Rodan and #GodzillaRaidsAgain). He continued working in supporting roles on television and on screen until 1965, when he was cast in his most memorable role as #Sulu on #StarTrek, a role he played for many years in the animated series, computer games, and in an episode of #StarTrekVoyager in 1996 (to celebrate the series’ 30th anniversary). After Star Trek, Takei worked on other projects, including his autobiography (#ToTheStars, 1994). During a 2005 interview, Takei officially came out to the general public, but admitted that his sexuality had always been an open secret in Hollywood, as well as the fact that he had never concealed being involved in notable gay organizations. In 2007, he starred in the hit show #Heroes, appearing in all of the show’s four seasons. In 2012, he starred in the musical #Allegiance, based on his own experience of Japanese American internment during World War II, which received great reviews as a history not often discussed in American classrooms. Throughout the years, Takei has voiced his political opinions and in recent years was very critical of President Trump’s regime. He has dedicated himself in more recent years of fighting for the same values taught all those years ago on Star Trek – of getting along with one another and treating everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve, no matter who they are or where they come from. #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA #LGBTQIAPride #Pride #LegendsOfPride #YouCannotEraseUs