rocks & Spocks🤠

And at the same time ...

From the perspectives of affect theory (e.g. Doty), star apparatus theory (e.g. Dyer), indexicality, etc., etc. the fact that Shatner had romantic feelings for Nimoy, and the fact that these feelings came across on screen, strongly informs and supports a queer viewing of Star Trek.

But because Shatner seemed genuinely sad when he spoke about these feelings and lack of societal acceptance decades ago, and because he hasn't brought them up since then, it kinda feels like an invasion of his privacy to do a deep dive into the implications of these feelings while Shatner is still alive. (You know, like, just because he said some stuff 40 years ago doesn't mean he wants that to be circulating now.)

I'm definitely not the most knowledgeable about William Shatner, but my general impression is that he's a bisexual person who was made to feel like that part of himself was unacceptable. And now, he seems to be uncomfortable with the labeling of queer identities (or with other discussions of queerness that "make it a big deal"), not because he doesn't like queer people, but because he grew up in a time when it wasn't safe to celebrate these identities. (Also I personally think he is someone who tends to accidentally come off as more abrasive than he intends to be.)

A lot of my impression is based on a conversation I had with him, where I referred to myself as queer, and he was like "I don't like that word. It's derogatory. Why would you describe yourself that way? You're not queer. You're just a person. You're beautiful." And I totally get how someone could misconstrue what he said as being homophobic. But as the person he actually had a conversation with, it was pretty clear to me that he just grew up hearing labels used as slurs, and so he didn't like the terms themselves. But he seemed happy when I said I wasn't straight.

I know that he has kind of flip-flopped between being in support of Kirk/Spock shippers (e.g. telling them to "keep on queerin") and seeming annoyed by them. But like, imagine you were in unrequited homosexual love with your best friend who you couldn't be with and who you had a falling out with, and 60 years later, people were still talking about how longingly your character was staring at his character? (And in fact, the way your romantic attraction came through on screen was the foundation of slash shipping???) Maybe you would also want people to stop asking you about it sometimes.

In terms of his morals more broadly, he recently expressed pride over the fact that Star Trek has always been woke. Also, he doesn't run his social media accounts (he literally told me he doesn't), so stuff that has been posted on his accounts doesn't necessarily reflect his values.

Spock: I threw your stalker off the ship—want to hook up?

McCoy: That’s friendship, not stalking! Kirk is my best friend, actually—you emotionally illiterate hobgoblin. But I’m not opposed to a date.

McCoy: You know, Spock, looking at all these lovestruck idiots...

Spock: And what is your conclusion?

McCoy: It’s a good thing we’re so cantankerous and regularly air our grievances.

Spock: I fail to follow your logic, Doctor.

McCoy: Lieutenant Grimes choked on his own engagement ring yesterday, Engineer Travis burned his hands and face, and Ensign Ruth beamed himself into a volcano.

Spock: Yes, I am aware of those incidents. I personally coordinated the rescue—and the appropriate reprimand—for all the crew members mentioned. And yet, I cannot trace your line of reasoning.

McCoy: Love can be dangerous in how it manifests, Spock. You can love each other to death, but you don't necessarily have to shout it to the whole world.

Spock: Fascinating, Doctor. I am in complete agreement with your assessment... This time.

*extends two fingers, the Doctor responds to the gesture without looking*

Gem: You two are having sex!

McCoy: No, we aren't.

Gem: Yes, you are.

McCoy: No, really!

Gem: Yes, really!

McCoy: Gem, you don't know what you're talking about.

Gem: Slander and lies. I’m an empath; I can sense it.

McCoy: Then your senses are off. What Spock and I have isn't just some random sex—it’s true love.

Gem: Oh... well, I’m still learning.

McCoy: Exactly, Gem.

Spock: Captain, we were planning to tell you soon.

Kirk: I understand, Mr. Spock. It would be illogical to offer explanations for your personal affairs.

Spock: Yes, Captain.