Star Trek: Discovery features prominent LGBTQ+ characters, including a married gay couple and non-binary and transgender individuals, whose identities are depicted with dignity, complexity, and agency. The show consistently affirms their relationships and experiences as normal and valued within its diverse futuristic setting.

Star Trek: Discovery features Adira Tal, a non-binary character, and Gray Tal, a trans man, both portrayed with dignity and complexity. Their identities are fully accepted by the crew and the narrative, serving as positive examples of inclusion. The show affirms trans lives by integrating these characters seamlessly, without their gender identity being a source of conflict or negative stereotypes.

Star Trek: Discovery features several female characters highly skilled in physical combat. Michael Burnham, trained in Vulcan martial arts, and Mirror Philippa Georgiou, a ruthless warrior, both repeatedly engage in and win close-quarters fights against multiple male opponents using hand-to-hand techniques and melee weapons.