Pride Spotlight: ALAN TURING (1912-1954)

June 1ST - ALAN TURING (1912-1954) – Alan Turing was a British scientist and a pioneer in computer science. During World War II, he developed a machine that helped break the German Enigma code. He also laid the groundwork for modern computing and theorized about artificial intelligence.

Alan Turing's ideas led to early versions of modern computing and helped win World War II. His genius embraced the first visions of modern computing and produced seminal insights into what became known as “artificial intelligence.” As one of the most influential code breakers of World War II, his cryptology yielded intelligence believed to have hastened the Allied victory. A British mathematician who has since been acknowledged as one the most innovative and powerful thinkers of the 20th century — sometimes called the progenitor of modern computing.

Turing had never been secretive about his homosexuality. He was outspoken and exuberant about his lifestyle, openly taking male lovers. When police discovered his sexual relationship with a young man, he was arrested and came to trial in 1952. Turing never denied or defended his actions, instead asserting that there was nothing wrong with what he did. The courts disagreed, and Turing was convicted of gross indecency. In order to avoid prison, Turing had to agree to undergo a series of estrogen injections.

He has since become a martyred hero of the gay community. In late 2013, nearly 60 years after his death, Queen Elizabeth II formally pardoned him. Let us not forget Alan Turing, a brilliant man but most importantly a human being. No one should be validated by anyone but themselves. We continue to ensure and reach the understanding that every human being's freedom and human rights are respected. As Turing said, "We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done."