Actor, activist, and icon George Takei has gone where few (okay, none) have gone before: WWII Internment Camp survivor, swashbuckling starship pilot, movie star, fanboy peace-broker, voice-over artist, 2012 Celebrity Apprentice contestant, and a booming voice for marriage equality and civil rights. He’s more than a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, George Takei is a force for good in the universe!

Since there’s no one else quite like him, it’s only fitting that New York-based community organization Geeks OUT is paying tribute to his achievements, legacy, and handsome face with a special one-night event called Takei Back the Night.

This Friday, April 20 from 7PM to 10PM at CFAN (417 W. 57th St., New York, NY), Geeks OUT and a collection of talented artists will celebrate Mr. Takei’s unique place in the worlds of entertainment and equality with artwork inspired by his legendary career. Featured artists include International Manga Award-winner Abby Denson (Dolltopia, Tough Love), CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist Costello Tagliapietra, fashion designer and visual artist Matt Kessler, illustrator Rob Clarke, Next Magazine cover artist Justin Winslow, and graphic design sensation Rogan Josh (modHero). Students, families, and GSAs are encouraged to attend a free one-hour preview starting at 6PM.

A free “blank” portrait of Mr. Takei is also available on the event’s website for you to download and create your own tribute to the man who says it's "OK to be Takei". Submissions can be sent to submissions@geeksout.org.

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP via the Takei Back the Night Facebook page.

Geeks OUT exists at the intersection of the LGBT and geek worlds, dedicated to engaging, promoting, and protecting this unique shared community. A fan-based community organization based in New York, Geeks OUT hosts monthly events, gatherings, and mixers. Having presented a standing-room-only panel It Gets Better (with Comics) at the 2011 New York Comic-Con, Geeks OUT is committed to returning to the Con in 2012. For more information, please visit GeeksOUT.org.

Prism Comics promotes the works of the LGBT community in comics. It does not implicitly endorse any other material or products associated with those works. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s).