Influential LGBT+ people from history: Alan Turing

A brilliant genius, Alan Turing was not only a hugely influential mathematician, scientist, philosopher and codebreaker, he invented modern computing and set the course for the Allies to win WWII.

Turing created a machine that broke the elusive Nazi Enigma code – a code Nazi’s used to send classified information to commanding officers. The code was so complex it was thought to be impossible to break. Directly because of Turing’s efforts British intelligence were able to defeat the Nazis and win the war.

His code breaking machine was the first computer and lead to the massive technological leaps seen in the latter half of the 20th century.

Turing also created and conceptualised a scientific test to hypothetically confirm artificial intelligence. A test we still use today.

In 1952, the British government arrested Turing and chemically castrated him for being gay. He later committed suicide in 1954 at the age of just 41.

In 2009, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown issued a formal apology to Turing on behalf of the government: “While Turing was dealt with under the law of the time, and we can't put the clock back, his treatment was of course utterly unfair, and I am pleased to have the chance to say how deeply sorry I and we all are for what happened to him. Alan and the many thousands of other gay men who were convicted, as he was convicted, under homophobic laws, were treated terribly. Over the years, millions more lived in fear in conviction… This recognition of Alan's status as one of Britain's most famous victims of homophobia is another step towards equality, and long overdue.”

Tim Gibson - mygwork

LGBT professionals, LGBT Graduates, LGBT professional network, LGBT professional events, LGBT networking events, LGBT Recruitment, LGBT Friendly organisations, LGBT Friendly companies, LGBT jobs
__________________

SIGN UP to myGwork, the global networking and recruitment hub for LGBTI professionals and graduates

www.mygwork.com
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn