Star Trek has always been first to head where no television show has gone before, tackling controversial subjects and broaching new ideas as part of its core mission statement. And although the franchise is no longer on TV, that mission continues.

George Takei, better known as Enterprise pilot Sulu in the original series, is embarking on a voyage to promote dialogue on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Americans, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

The actor will be touring six cities around the United States, and will be discussing his life and encouraging others to do the same. At the same time, his tour will allow him to serve as a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaigns Coming Out Project.

"For 40 years, George Takei has beamed into living rooms through the television sets of generations of Americans, said HRC President Joe Solmonese. His unique role in pop culture history will help him reach new audiences with messages of understanding. We are tremendously excited to officially and publicly welcome George and his partner Brad into the Human Rights Campaign family."

Takei himself believes that part of what allows him to serve in such a capacity is his childhood, when he was held in an America internment camp along with his mother during the Second World War. Their stay at the facility was due to their Japanese ancestry, even though both were both and raised on American soil and his father had grown up in the United States.

"In my own life, I have felt the discrimination that used to separate Japanese Americans from the rest of the country melt away," said Takei. "I believe that by sharing our stories GLBT Americans can break down the walls that separate us and help build a more understanding and truly diverse nation for us all."

The national speaking tour is set to kick off on April 10 and locations include Philadelphia, Baltimore, Minneapolis and Wisconsin. Two other locations have yet to be announced.