Written by: Justin Saint, Co-chair of Pride BCIT
October marks 2S/LGBTQIA+ History Month in Canada, a time to honor the achievements, struggles, and lasting impact of queer individuals who have shaped our communities and industries.
While Pride Month in June is centered around visibility, joy, and advocacy for present and future human rights, 2S/LGBTQIA+ History Month focuses on education and reflection on stories of queer individuals and communities from the past.
This year, Pride BCIT introduces Queeroes of Tech and Industry, a new page highlighting the stories of queer innovators, engineers, and leaders who have helped shape our modern world, often while overcoming significant challenges along the way.
One such story is that of Alan Turing, a trailblazing mathematician who is widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Computer Science”.
The life of Alan Turing
In 1936, Alan Turing conceptualized the Turing Machine, a theoretical model that demonstrated how machines could perform complex tasks by breaking them down into logical steps. This laid the groundwork for the development of digital computers and revolutionized the way we think about computation, paving the way for artificial intelligence and modern software development.
Turing is also known for his contributions while leading a team of cryptographic codebreakers during World War II. As early as 1943, Turing’s machines were cracking 84,000 messages each month, about two messages per minute. Turing personally broke the Nazi Enigma code and is credited with shortening the war and saving countless lives.
Despite being a war hero, Turing faced persecution for being gay and was charged with gross indecency under Britain’s anti-homosexuality laws in 1952. The conviction led to the removal of Turing’s security clearances, preventing him from continuing his work in cryptography. To avoid a prison sentence, Turing agreed to undergo chemical castration. He died in 1954, two weeks before his 42nd birthday.
Turing’s legacy lives on, as his concepts remain central to understanding how computers process information today.
Celebrate with Pride BCIT
Join Pride BCIT in celebrating Alan Turing’s life with a screening of the film The Imitation Game at the Gathering Place (SW1-1521) on October 25. Doors open at 5:30pm, and the movie will start at 6:00pm.
Pride BCIT is a group of students and employees dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowering campus environment for 2S/LGBTQIA+ individuals at BCIT. Our group collaborates on events, raises awareness, provides resources, and fosters a sense of belonging.