Sulu beams out of the closet

File under not really surprised, but did a double take: George Takei, who played helmsman Sulu on board the Starship Enterprise through three television seasons and six movies, has come out as a homosexual in the current issue of Frontiers, a biweekly Los Angeles magazine covering the gay and lesbian community.

Takei told The Associated Press on Thursday that his new onstage role as psychologist Martin Dysart in "Equus," helped inspire him to publicly discuss his sexuality.

The 68-year-old actor said he and his partner, Brad Altman, have been together for 18 years.

"Sorry Uhura I'm not interested..."

"When it comes to Starfleet Command: Don't ask, don't tell."