After the California Supreme Court ruling last Thursday, Star Trek actor, George Takei, 71, who plays helmsman Sulu, announced his plans to marry long-time boyfriend, Brad Altman. The two have been an item for 18 years with intentions to stay together forever. Takei came out of the closet in 2005 in a Frontiers magazine, saying, “It’s not really coming out, which suggests opening a door and stepping through. It’s more like a long, long walk through what began as a narrow corridor that starts to widen.”

Takei has been a primary advocate for gay rights since 2005, when he finally went public. The Japanese-American actor has stated on a few occasions that growing up he always felt ashamed about his ethnicity and sexuality due to society’s outward reaction to both. “The world has changed from when I was a young teen feeling ashamed for being gay. The issue of gay marriage is now a political issue. That would have been unthinkable when I was young.”

Although Takei didn’t officially come out until just the last few years, Star Trek fans have known about Takei’s sexuality since the 1970’s. In December of ’05, a few months after his magazine interview hit the stands, Takei guest-starred on Howard Stern to further discuss his lifestyle choice. “We are masculine, we are feminine, we are caring, we are abusive. We are just straight people, in terms of our outward appearance and our behavior. The only difference is that we are oriented to people of our own gender.”

Takei is one of many Californians who are eager to take advantage of the new ruling. In fact, comedian Ellen DeGeneres and Nip/Tuck’s Portia de Rossi are also planning to legalize their own relationship within the next few months. “Our California dream is reality,” Takei published on his personal website. “Brad Altman and I can now marry. We are overjoyed! At long last, the barrier to full marriage rights for same-sex couples has been torn down. We are equal with all citizens of our state!”

Takei, who has been romantically involved with Altman for more than 21 years, feels that they are more than ready to take the next step. “We’ve shared the good times as well as struggled through the bad. He is my love and I can’t imagine life without him. Now, we can have the dignity, as well as the responsibilities, of marriage. We embrace it all heartily.”

Like all typical couples who are about to embark on the wedding planning, Takei and Altman are sifting through dates, reception venues, locations, and themes. “For now, Brad and I are enjoying the delicious dilemma of deciding, where, when, and how we will be married.” Luckily for them, California is affluent with many beautiful spots that would make for an amazing and memorable wedding celebration.