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My #startrekstory is that I don’t remember a time from before Star Trek. I was raised on Next Gen, and I saw myself in so many of the characters—Beverly and Deanna, strong and complex women; Wesley, whose inclusion meant a kid could be important and helpful and part of the crew—but it was Data I had the #startrek makeup books checked out of the library for. Data was the hero for every kid who didn’t fit in, who didn’t pick up on sarcasm or know how to react to a joke. I held it together through taking this picture, but afterwards I stood in line to meet Brent Spiner a complete mess, visibly fighting the urge to break down and sob. I had not anticipated that reaction—it’s completely out of character. Next Gen has a special place in my heart, but I love all the Star Treks for all the different things they bring to the table. And I need them more than ever today, because the message of Star Trek from the beginning has been this: We dare, we have the AUDACITY to believe that humanity is better than this. That we can fix our planet and our society and go on to be explorers, not an army colonizing planets, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s hopepunk at its finest. Like anything, it has its flaws, but Star Trek will always be like family. Happy #StarTrekDay and #startrekunitedgives https://instagr.am/p/CE4gBExFtOs/