Alan Turing: A Hero A Week for LGBTQIA+ History Month

Alan Turing was a genius, a war hero, and a pioneer in computer science during a time of conflict and unrest in the UK – and he was also a gay man living in a time when being LGBTQIA+ was illegal in the country. His life is a powerful story of brilliance, courage, and resilience, both as a mathematician and an LGBTQIA+ icon. As we celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month, it's important to remember Turing – not just for his amazing work, but for the struggles he faced and the progress he inspired in our community.

The Codebreaker Who Changed the World

Born in 1912, Alan Turing was always ahead of his time. He loved solving puzzles and thinking about how machines could work like human brains. During World War II, he became one of the key figures at Bletchley Park, where he helped break the German Enigma code – a code used to send messages about potential attacks and bombings. His codebreaking skills helped end the war years earlier than expected and saved millions of lives. If you use a computer, smartphone, or even play video games, you have Turing to thank!

A Life of Struggles

Despite being a war hero, Turing was treated unfairly because of his sexuality. In 1952, he was arrested simply for being in a relationship with another man. At the time, being gay was considered a crime in the UK, and many men and women were imprisoned as a result. Instead of prison, he was forced to take medication that had horrible effects on his body. Just two years later, in 1954, he died from cyanide poisoning – many believe it was suicide due to his struggling mental health that began after being persecuted.

Finally Getting the Recognition He Deserved

For decades, Turing’s contributions were largely forgotten. But as people started to learn more about him, there was a push to recognise his achievements and the injustice he suffered. In 2009, the UK government formally apologised for how he was treated. In 2013, he was given a royal pardon after his death, vanishing his criminal charges. Then, in 2017, the UK introduced the “Turing Law,” which pardoned thousands of LGBTQIA+ people convicted under outdated

laws. Today, he is honoured in many ways, including appearing as the face of the UK’s £50 note.

Why Turing’s Story Matters Today

Alan Turing’s story is about more than computers and codebreaking – it’s about being true to yourself even when the world is against you. His experiences being persecuted and isolated remind us more than ever why LGBTQIA+ rights matter and why we must keep fighting for equality. Today, more people than ever can be open about who they are, but challenges still exist. Turing’s legacy encourages us to be proud of who we are, to support one another, and to keep pushing for a fairer world.

As we celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month, let’s remember Alan Turing – not just as a genius, but as a symbol of strength, resilience, and hope. His work continues to shape our lives, and his story inspires us to build a future where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.