Star Trek is one of the things I still hang onto as optimistic about the future. We can make a better world for everyone and overcome racism, capitalism, transphobia, etc. We can build something better and reach for the stars. And that’s always been the message. The characters have advanced technology like ships and teleporters, but what’s really advanced is how they are as people. They’re curious, educated, accepting people who want to explore the universe for the sake of it.
I also hang onto the X-Men. That was also important to me growing up, seeing how the characters could come together to defend themselves against hatred. I grew up in a really conservative area so I’m always gonna be grateful to Star Trek and X-Men (and later all sorts of books) for keeping me sane as a kid