Queen for a Day

Queen for a Day is a Star Trek: TOS story by D.J. Hewlett.
It was printed in Illogical These Humans!! where it had art by Sue Klasky.
==Some Topics Discussed and Some Context==
* the title of the story was likely meant to be humorous, but it was also a pointed jab
* while many fans socialized and created in their own silos, the topic of Kirk/Spock was forefront in many fans' minds ("K/S, The "Porn" Issue, Homosexuality & Bi-Sexuality in General" was a panel at the 1978 T'Con, and Alternative: Continuing the Epilog to Orion had been published in 1979; while not in this fandom, the zines Code 7, Forever Autumn (Starsky & Hutch zine), and Pushin' the Odds gives a lot of context, to the context of the day, as does the 1977 Open Letter by Mary Lou Regarding Explicit Fanworks, Open Letter by Winston A. Howlett Regarding His Review of "Alternative: Epilog to Orion", and The SekWester*Con Porn Debate)
* for younger fans in present time, the language and the attitudes expressed may seem alien and dated, but in the late 1970s and early 1980s, casual (and pointed) bigotry and homophobic comments and content could be very commonplace; for some fans at the time, the views expressed in this story wouldn't have raised as many eyebrows as you might think
* the story doesn't suggest a relationship between Kirk and Spock, however, there are several instances of McCoy and Kirk teasing and prodding Spock about his sexuality, suggesting that Spock's oddness and otherness is akin to homosexuality
* the story dabbles tolerance for differing sexualities and identities, but comes firmly down on the side of the "universal naturalness" of heterosexuality
==Summary and Excerpts==
Kirk is in the shower when Spock tells him on the intercom that an important call has come through for Kirk. Kirk says, "I'll take it in my quarters, but give me a minute first. I'm not quite decent." Spock replies, "Understood, sir." The author points out that Kirk puts on a shirt, but no pants. "... the viewer would only show him from the waist up, so he was safe."
It turns out the admiral has chosen Kirk for a case in which he has to trick the population of a planet into giving the Federation their valuable ore. The admiral tells him it's because Kirk has the "highest integrity" and is an "honorable, trustworthy and diplomatic man" and this case "requires you to use your abilities in away you've never been called upon to use them before." 
 
When Kirk explains the mission to McCoy and Spock, McCoy is flabbergasted. Spock, however, takes it in stride: 
Sulu volunteers after asking if the planet's citizens "recognize commitment, a sort of marriage arrangement." Kirk things a moment and then "brightened at this. "I image they must. After all, I know they have a different culture, but some things are considered universal. Mates, for instance."
Kirk and his officers put on dresses, and Spock puts on a turban to cover his ears. McCoy tells Spock he looks "absolutely enchanting this evening... you really must give me the name of your dressmaker."
When they beam down to the planet's surface, they see that the Farotians are very delicate and fey; Kirk is thankful that his dress hides his "own well-developed muscles and healthy tan."
The landing party finds lodgings in a house of women aka lesbians. Scotty says the place "gives him the creeps."
Kirk goes out for a walk at night and sits by a fountain. He falls asleep, only to wake and find a woman touching his body. She is upset, as she touched him because "I did what I wanted to do. I don't regret it! It isn't wrong! It felt so good, so right!" They have sex, but are caught by the women and Kirk is thrown in prison. He is declared a "pervert" for his "unlawful intercourse" with a woman at the wrong time of the year.
Kirk is regretful: "His entire mission was blown. Gone up in smoke. And for what? A ten minute roll in the hay with a girl who probably didn't know whether to enjoy it or not. Oh God, how had he gotten himself into this?"
Scotty, however, is delighted, as it appears failing their mission is better than having to act like a homosexual: "At least we don't have to play games anymore. I'm thankful for that. I was afraid my wrist would go limp permanently if I'd had to keep it up any longer."
They find out that there is a rebel on the planet who is trying to get young people to get legislation passed legalizing heterosexual activity. They call themselves the Straight Liberation Contingent. 
At the trial, Kirk makes a speech and goes all-IDIC-y and also tosses in the Prime Directive (though neither have been particularly practiced in this story, and Kirk's offer of solace sounds like a veiled threat!): "None of us are homosexuals. Now, before you say anything, hear me out. I said that the Federation is made up of many cultures. We do not yet have a culture such as yours, but that doesn't mean that we couldn't have. We don't base our relationships with Federation members on sexual customs and preferences. Humans have certain customs and Vulcans have other different ideals. All of the members are different, and it's those differences that make us what we are. Can't you see this.?... Our prime directive is one of non-interference. We would no more think of trying to change your culture than we would think of destroying your planet, though I suppose we have the power to do either one. That isn't the way we work."
This somewhat tolerant speech about differing sexual identities and desire is thrown out the window in the last scene aboard the Enterprise: 
Category:1980 Fanfiction