George Takei Says Coming Out at 68 Years Old Allowed Him to Feel ‘Whole’

For George Takei, coming out helped him feel like his complete self — even if he did so later in life.

The Star Trek alum, now 88, came out as gay two decades ago when he was 68. It’s a decision he described to USA Today, when reflecting on the moment, as one that helped him feel like his “whole self.”

“It feels very liberating,” he said. “I don’t have to be on my guard, kind of mentally fencing and saying what I want to say but without giving myself away. I developed that skill, but now I don’t need to. I can be candid and forthright.”

Takei said he felt both “imprisoned” and a “sense of guilt” before coming out.

Takei came out as gay in 2005 — a move he has said was prompted by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoing a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in California.

Though he’d already been with his now-husband Brad Altman for nearly two decades at the time, he tells USA Today he felt like he could never be his “whole self.”

“Here I am protecting my job, my career, what I want to do, while others who had the same difference that I did were sacrificing all that and actively engaging with the larger society and making progress,” he said.

Takei and Altman wed in 2008, with Takei’s Star Trek costar Nichelle Nichols serving as their maid of honor.

Takei previously told PEOPLE the secret to his longevity with Altman was sharing two emotions: laughter and anger.

“He keeps me laughing and he keeps me getting angry. I think it’s sharing these emotions,” the actor said in 2024.

Takei joked that he and Altman are “opposites,” but he appreciates their differences.

“Brad is a strict disciplinarian,” he said. “Brad is detail-oriented and he’s organized and he brings that detail and organization to my life so that I can do what I do.”

Takei added, “We understand each other.”

Takei has written numerous books throughout his life and has a new one releasing this Pride Month. 

The actor’s latest book, titled It Rhymes with Takei, recounts Takei’s childhood through present day.

“Looking back on his astonishing life on both sides of the closet door, George Takei presents a charismatic and candid account of how far America has come… and how precious that progress is,” reads a description from publisher Top Shelf Productions.

It Rhymes with Takei is out now.