J'naii

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

J'naii
Noor, the leader of the J'naii
Noor, the leader of the J'naii
Homeworld: J'naii Homeworld
Affiliation: None

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 race's prohibition on expressing any sort of gender identity. The episode is often known by fans as the Gay Episode.

Contents

[edit] J'naii

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

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

[edit] External link

In other languages