How 'Star Trek' Has Remained Socially Progressive Over Its 50 Years

Throughout its multiple spinoffs, "Star Trek" has continued to explore social issues, including race, gender, disabilities and more.

With its new series "Strange New Worlds" coming out this week, "Star Trek" is building on its progressive legacy. 

Created over 50 years ago by Gene Roddenberry, the "Star Trek" franchise takes place in a fictional future with starships and intergalactic travel.

But as much as the series navigates through its futuristic science fiction landscape, Roddenberry always meant for the show to address the present fights for peace, disability rights, and racial and gender equality — pushing forward on-screen and off the Vulcan philosophy of "infinite diversity in infinite combinations."