George Takei, a.k.a. Sulu on 'Star Trek,' to speak on gay rights at Oct. 18 luncheon

Actor and gay rights advocate George Takei will voice his support for same-sex marriage at a National Press Club luncheon on Friday, Oct. 18.

Takei, who became famous playing Lt. Hikaru Sulu on the Star Trek TV series and in the franchise’s films, has become an outspoken advocate for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people. Now, Takei has more than 800,000 followers on Twitter, and has become known for his signature catch phrase, “Oh my.”

In an editorial he wrote to The Washington Post inJune, Takei made his case for the rights of LGBT individuals. “I do think the movement for equality for LGBT Americans is in the same context of all of the great American movements, you know, the basic fundamental ideals of this country of justice and equality,” he wrote.

Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., with remarks beginning at 1 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session ending at 2 p.m. This event is limited to National Press Club members, who may bring two guests each. Tickets may be purchased by clicking here.

Tickets cost $21 for NationalPress Club members (NPC Members may purchase two tickets at this rate) and $35 for all other non-member tickets. For questions, please email [email protected] or call (202) 662 – 7501.

NPC Members who wish to attend the pre-luncheon reception must RSVP separately to [email protected] 48 hours before the event. Space may be limited. You must have a paid reservation to the luncheon to attend the VIP reception.