If you ever had the hots for the eternal space twink that is Wesley Crusher, know that you weren’t alone – and Wil Wheaton is here for you.
Star Trek‘s jaunty-jumpered boy genius who may or may not be Picard’s secret son is far from everyone’s fantasy, but for many thirsty 13-year-olds, resistance was futile.
Wil Wheaton acknowledged his character’s queer appeal in a Facebook post celebrating the few young Trekkies who weren’t fundamentally irritated by Wesley’s precocious antics.
“Over the years, I’ve met several men who have told me that their childhood crush on Wesley Crusher was a big part of them coming out and living their lives with joy and love and pride,” Wheaton wrote.
“I can not even begin to tell you how much this means to me. I love it so much that I, and some of my work, were there for people (when I didn’t even know it was happening) who needed a safe place.
“Happy Pride, you lovely and perfect humans,” he added. “I, and Wesley Crusher, see you, and we absolutely adore you.”
As the post went viral, Wheaton’s wife, Anne Wheaton, also weighed in on Twitter.
“Over the years, I’ve had men tell me they had a crush on Wesley Crusher and then immediately apologise to me for it. Don’t apologise!” she said.
“We both love that his character helped you figure out who you are. And I love that Wil wrote a Facebook post about it. Happy Pride, friends.”
Her message brought forth a flood of messages from seasoned fans who proudly confessed to crushing on young Crusher back in the day.
And they’ll be pleased to hear that Dr Crusher has given her blessing.
Wesley’s on-screen mum, actress Gates McFadden, tweeted: “Proud of my space son for writing this! Love you for posting space daughter-in-law.”
