This ability to swoop in viewers from different generations and persuasions is no accident. For over 55 years, Star Trek -- thanks to the vision of creator Gene Roddenberry -- advocated for big-tent inclusion. In doing so, it took historically marginalized people and made them heroes of their own stories.

Star Trek: The Original Series not only broke ground when it aired the interracial kiss between Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), it also signaled to viewers that in the future -- and in the present – love is limitless.