Live Long and Prosper
- Coffee the Cosplayer
- Sep 12, 2024
- 2 min read
September 8, 1966, the world was introduced to Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek, a cult classic that celebrates diversity, inclusion, acceptance, and hope. The Houston legend, Mattress Mack, the founder of Galaxy Furniture hosts the anniversary date by recognizing the iconic show with the local Star Trek fleet.
Last Saturday we were able to participate in the festivities meeting the fleet, enjoying cake, and talking about how the impact of the show influenced a culture of geeks, nerds, and cosplayers alike.
I enjoyed talking with members of the Star Trek fleet about honoring Star Trek Day and found that many of the members have a philanthropic heart sharing some moments that connect their personal life to cosplay, technology, mentoring, and disabilities.
I initially found out about the Star Trek fleet while attending Comicpalooza a couple of years ago dressed as Uhura. It was my husband's suggestion (he always gives me the best ideas for cosplay) and well received by the people who I met at the convention. It is the easiest cosplay for me yet the most rewarding because I get to be Uhura, she's a beautiful representation of a techy, African American woman, who fans love and adore - even Captain Kirk.
The day followed up by speaking with members of the Star Trek fleet about what we do at Disability Comic Con, and it was well received with two members sharing that they have a child and a grandchild who are on the spectrum. One of the members said having a small convention that is inclusive to the disability community is what is needed because of the sensory overload that can occur when attending large conventions. The other members thanked us for our efforts and wanted more details on how to support the organization including how to make Captain Kirk's chair disability accessible. We took on the challenge of ways to modify the iconic seat.
Overall, it was a fun welcoming experience that we were happy to support. We were also impressed by the enthusiasm that Mattress Mack showed for the event being that he was recently released from the hospital a couple of days prior to Labor Day (read here). I think we all could learn something from Star Treks impact on the culture including the incredible work ethic and love for the community that Mattress Mack continues to display. In the words of one of the most iconic franchises - Live long and prosper or in Mattress Mack's case Prosper and Live Long.
(Mattress Mack, and committee members Coffee the Cosplayer, Legacy_Airbrush)
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