Gina Yashere Embraces 'Wokeness' Amidst Criticism

Actress Gina Yashere is doubling down on what she calls the "super woke" identity of "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy," directly responding to conservative criticism. Yashere, who portrays Lura Thok in the new Paramount+ series, stated that the backlash is primarily from "fragile, angry White men" concerned about the show's non-white representation and diverse body types. She explicitly stated this backlash makes her want to lean further into "wokeness."

Yashere also addressed her own sexuality, referring to her character as a "space lesbian." She defended "Star Trek's" commitment to diversity, asserting that the franchise has been "woke from day one." She reframed the term "woke" positively, defining it as being aware of global events. This stance mirrors the reception of Disney's "Lightyear," which faced similar fan criticism after being described as the franchise's 'gayest' installment.