George Takei, the iconic actor best known for his role in "Star Trek," has recently released a new graphic memoir titled "It Rhymes With Takei." The memoir delves into Takei's personal experiences growing up gay in a less accepting era, his childhood in Japanese internment camps during World War II, and his journey to becoming an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
A Story of Imprisonment and Liberation
Takei didn't publicly come out as gay until he was 68 years old. He describes the period before coming out not as being "in the closet," but as being "imprisoned," drawing a parallel to his childhood experiences in Japanese internment camps. During World War II, when he was just five years old, soldiers forced Takei and his family into internment camps, where they spent a significant portion of his childhood behind barbed wire. These experiences profoundly shaped his life and his commitment to fighting for justice and equality.
"It Rhymes With Takei": A Graphic Novel Approach
Takei intentionally chose to tell his story through a graphic novel format to make it accessible to a wider audience, particularly young people. Having found solace and escape in comic books during his challenging childhood, he believes the visual medium can effectively convey complex emotions and experiences. The graphic novel, brought to life with illustrations by Harmony Becker, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott, features bright colors and engaging artwork designed to resonate with readers of all ages.
The title, "It Rhymes With Takei," is a playful reference to Takei's activism. In 2011, he used his name to protest "don't say gay" legislation introduced in Tennessee, highlighting the rhyme to emphasize his message. (Takei pronounces his name "tuh-kay").
More Than Just a Star Trek Icon
George Takei is not just a Star Trek icon. He is a survivor, an activist, and an inspiration to many. His memoir offers a candid and intimate look at his life, revealing the challenges he faced and the triumphs he celebrated. Through his story, Takei encourages readers to embrace their identities, fight for their rights, and never give up hope for a better future.
"It Rhymes With Takei" is available now from Penguin Random House.