J. T. Tepnapa

Tepnapa has made several short films since 2000 with his company, Blue Seraph Productions, but he is best known for his role as the first openly gay character, Lieutenant Commander Corey Aster, on the fan series Star Trek: Hidden Frontier created by Rob Caves.

Tepnapa is best known for his role as the first openly gay character, Lieutenant Commander Corey Aster, on the fan series Star Trek: Hidden Frontier created by Rob Caves.

In addition to playing the first openly gay character in the Star Trek franchise, Tepnapa was also entrusted with directing many of the 50+ episodes.

Relying on some personal experiences with struggle and second chances in the film industry, Tepnapa and writing partner Carlos Pedraza manage to present a believable and engaging story nested within a science-fiction scenario.

Adding a twist to the film, Tepnapa embraces the significance of visual artwork by employing the work of artist and friend, Kyle Joseph Johnson.