Star Trek Officially Confirms a Major Klingon Theory (& Sets Up a New Problem)

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The latest Star Trek series, Starfleet Academy, started a little slowly, but the sixth episode was a standout. It brought back a previously overlooked villain, unexpectedly killed off a key character, and effectively set the stage for the remaining four episodes. The show has successfully blended typical school life with intriguing mysteries – like the fate of Caleb Mir’s mother (played by Tatiana Maslany), the hidden weapons on the destroyed space station, and whether Paul Giamatti’s villain has a mole within Starfleet. Plus, each of the main cadets has their own secrets, and one in particular has sparked a lot of discussion. Please be aware that this article contains spoilers for Starfleet Academy.

After much discussion, it’s now official: a new Klingon character in Star Trek is LGBTQ+. While it hasn’t been specified if Jay-Den Kraag (played by Karim Diane) is gay, bisexual, or pansexual, the seventh episode of Starfleet Academy strongly suggests a romantic relationship with human War College student Kyle Djokovic. Furthermore, Karim Diane’s co-star, George Hawkins, has confirmed Jay-Den is also attracted to Khionian student Darem, stating there is “romantic interest” between them.

Jay-Den’s Sexuality Sets Up A Star Trek Conflict

This episode shows Jay-Den and Kyle clearly becoming a couple, but the main storyline revolves around Darem’s arranged marriage. Jay-Den accidentally disrupts the wedding and is then pressured into being Darem’s best man. As Darem’s wedding plans unravel, Jay-Den and Darem grow closer, leaving viewers wondering about their relationship, while Jay-Den and Kyle’s connection seems to be strengthening.

According to Hawkins in an interview with ScreenRant, a romantic connection is developing between Jay-Den and Darem. Jay-Den acts as a reflection for Darem, challenging him in a way no one else at the Academy does. He’s the first to honestly point out Darem’s flaws – that he’s somewhat of a coward and hides behind a facade. Jay-Den sees through this facade, and it’s a compelling dynamic to watch, especially in this episode.

Kaira seems to affect Darem in the same way as someone from his past – a connection that really makes him think. Jay-Den fills a similar role in Darem’s life, and while there’s definitely a romantic attraction, their connection goes deeper than that. I believe they’re drawn to each other because they help each other see the truth, and that’s ultimately what they’re both looking for.

As a big Star Trek fan, I’m really intrigued by the developing connection between Jay-Den and Darem. Will it become a romance? That’s the big question! We don’t know anything about Darem’s preferences, and honestly, this version of Trek might not even focus on labels. But it definitely adds some tension. Klingon relationships are famously committed – they bond quickly and for life, as we’ve seen before. Remember the whole storyline on Deep Space Nine with Worf being horrified by the idea of infidelity? It sparked a whole political uprising! Klingon culture takes these things seriously, so this could be a really big deal for Jay-Den and Darem.

Things are definitely changing, and cultures evolve. However, if Jay-Den were to cheat on his boyfriend with Darem, or even show interest in another classmate, it would be a huge shift in Klingon society – a really fundamental one. And, as any longtime Star Trek fan knows, changes like that don’t usually go over well.

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2026-02-19 18:10