OUTinPERTH

Read the News

Subscribe

Follow us

OUTinPERTH

Read the News

Subscribe

Follow us

Premium Content:

On This Gay Day | In 2013 the Queen pardoned Alan Turing

On this day is 2013 Queen Elizabeth II granted a posthumous pardon for scientist Alan Turing.

Turing is credited with being the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. The work of the English mathematician, computer scientist, logician, cryptoanalyst, philosopher and theoretical biologist was not fully realised until years after his tragic death.

- Advertisement -

During World War II he was involved in code breaking and was responsible for many important breakthroughs that are credited with shortening the conflict. He went on to work on some of the earliest computers, and his theories are credited with major developments in the field.

In 1952 Turing was prosecuted for gross indecency when it was discovered that he was homosexual. He accepted being chemically castrated rather than being sent to prison. Two years later he died by suicide.

In 2009 following an online campaign, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown made a public apology for the way Turing was treated.

“Thousands of people have come together to demand justice for Alan Turing and recognition of the appalling way he was treated. 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 … So on behalf of the British government, and all those who live freely thanks to Alan’s work I am very proud to say: we’re sorry, you deserved so much better.” the British PM said.

On this day in 2013 Queen Elizabeth II granted him a posthumous pardon. During her reign the Queen has only made four posthumous pardons, usually they are because it was revealed the person was innocent of the charges, or their family had made a personal appeal to the monarch. Turings case did not have either of these elements.

In 2017 the British government issued an apology to all people who had been prosecuted under the previous laws and offered a pathway for their convictions to be removed – the legislation is referred to as Alan Turing’s Law. Following this move similar legislation has been brought in across the globe in many jurisdictions who have their legal systems based in British law.

In 2018 Western Australia passed the Historical Homosexual Convictions Expungement Bill 2017, but as of 2023 only one person has had their historical convictions removed.

Turing is now featured on the British fifty pound note, and he has been honoured via statues, prizes and portrayals in film and television.

OIP Staff


Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGED: 9364 6909 / waamh.org.au / wearedischarged@gmail.com
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au

Latest

On This Gay Day | Author Yukio Mishima born in 1925

Mishima is considered one of the most important authors of Japanese literature.

Patti LuPone joins ‘And Just Like That…’ for its third season

And Just Like That... Patti LuPone joins the cast of the 'Sex and the City' spinoff.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New music from Bob Mould, Hifi Sean and David McAlmont, Ethel Cain, Deep Sea Diver, and drag star Rosé.

On This Gay Day | Deborah Johnson and Zandra Rolón Amato take a stance

On this day in 1983 Deborah Johnson and Zandra Rolón...

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | Author Yukio Mishima born in 1925

Mishima is considered one of the most important authors of Japanese literature.

Patti LuPone joins ‘And Just Like That…’ for its third season

And Just Like That... Patti LuPone joins the cast of the 'Sex and the City' spinoff.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New music from Bob Mould, Hifi Sean and David McAlmont, Ethel Cain, Deep Sea Diver, and drag star Rosé.

On This Gay Day | Deborah Johnson and Zandra Rolón Amato take a stance

On this day in 1983 Deborah Johnson and Zandra Rolón...

The 2025 Mardi Gras Film Festival is packed with delights

Take a look at some of the films screening at Queer Screen, the Mardi Gras Film Festival.

On This Gay Day | Author Yukio Mishima born in 1925

Mishima is considered one of the most important authors of Japanese literature.

Patti LuPone joins ‘And Just Like That…’ for its third season

And Just Like That... Patti LuPone joins the cast of the 'Sex and the City' spinoff.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New music from Bob Mould, Hifi Sean and David McAlmont, Ethel Cain, Deep Sea Diver, and drag star Rosé.