The Stonewall riots that powered the gay rights movement happened in New York in 1969.
I was in Los Angeles at, as a matter of fact, a gay bar.
Oh, the news spread like electricity through all the gay bars.
I was pursuing an acting career, and the climate was totally different in those days.
To be gay was to essentially give up any kind of public career.
I knew I wouldn’t be hired again afterStar Trekif I came out.
I was protecting my career.
What does Stonewall represent to you?
TheStonewall riotswent on for days.
That kind of total commitment was inspiring to me.
It’s profoundly important.
My father said that this country is an amazing country.
It’s a people’s democracy.
Fifty years in America can do amazing things, inspiring things.
It was a painful time for you.
It was very difficult for me.
During that period I was weighted down by that sense of guilt and not participating.
When did you come out?
It wasn’t until the California legislature passed the marriage equality bill, in 2005.
It was a thrilling moment!
We partnered with the Human Rights Campaign, and I went on a nationwide speaking tour.
That’s when I felt like I was a whole person.
1969 was also the last year ofStar Trek…
We were low rated back then.
Every season was a cliffhanger Are we going to be canceled?
And sure enough, in 1969, our third season, we were.
ButStar Trekwent into syndication.
Do you have a favorite episode?
“The Naked Time [Season 1, Episode 4], where I demonstrate my fencing prowess shirtless.
