ST:TNG:117 - "The Outcast" (Stardate: 45614.6) - this is the 17th episode of the 5th season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
In another episode dealing with current social issues, as is prevalent during the 5th season of TNG, this one deals with sexuality and its acceptance in different societies and cultures (such as homosexuality). The Enterprise are helping out an androgynous race known as the J'Naii in attempts to rescue their shuttle craft that is stuck in a pocket of null space. When Soren, a J'Naii pilot, joins Commander Riker in locating the shuttle, a friendship is formed between them and soon they become romantically involved.
This is where the conflict arises - because the J'Naii are genderless, what Soren is doing is illegal and she must now be arrested and "cured".
Another intriguing episode in the true spirit of Star Trek.
Trivia note: Riker mentions a new unit of measurement - a millicochrane (named after Zephram Cochrane). Troi, during one of the crew's poker games, notes that the Federation was founded in 2161.
In another episode dealing with current social issues, as is prevalent during the 5th season of TNG, this one deals with sexuality and its acceptance in different societies and cultures (such as homosexuality). The Enterprise are helping out an androgynous race known as the J'Naii in attempts to rescue their shuttle craft that is stuck in a pocket of null space. When Soren, a J'Naii pilot, joins Commander Riker in locating the shuttle, a friendship is formed between them and soon they become romantically involved.
This is where the conflict arises - because the J'Naii are genderless, what Soren is doing is illegal and she must now be arrested and "cured".
Another intriguing episode in the true spirit of Star Trek.
Trivia note: Riker mentions a new unit of measurement - a millicochrane (named after Zephram Cochrane). Troi, during one of the crew's poker games, notes that the Federation was founded in 2161.