J'naii

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The J'naii are a fictional race introduced in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Outcast." The episode aired during the fifth season of the television series and had Commander Riker falling in love with a visiting J'naii diplomat, and thus violates the alien races prohibition on expressing any sort of gender identity. The episode is often known of, by fans, as the Gay Episode.

[edit] J'naii

The J'naii are a race of androgynous alien humanoids that have advanced beyond all gender roles and behaviors and thus view the expression of gender identity as being a sign of a mental defect. Those J'naii people that are born with a desire to express a gender identity are treated as outcasts that need to be cured through therapy.

[edit] Criticism

The J'naii were created specifically for The Outcast episode and where subsequently never seen or heard from again. This furthered criticism from gay and gay-friendly Star Trek fans that the television franchise was not interested in seriously addressing the issue of sexual orientation and gay rights.

[edit] References

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