Happy Pride Month.

Picture a tapestry, woven with threads of ingenuity, resilience, and tragedy—such is the life of Alan Turing, a remarkable yet misunderstood figure in history. Unraveling this tapestry allows us to appreciate Turing's contributions to our world, while also recognizing the injustices he faced because of his sexual orientation.

Imagine, if you will, a time when the world was enshrouded in darkness. A time when it seemed as though the very fabric of humanity was being torn asunder by the evils of Nazi Germany. In this time of despair, a light emerged—a beacon of hope, flashing in the form of an enigma. This beacon was Alan Turing, the man known as the 'code-breaker'. His ability to crack the Enigma code was akin to picking an invisible lock in the dead of night. An act of intellectual prowess that ultimately steered the Allies towards victory in World War II.

But Turing's story doesn't end with his wartime heroism. Beneath the surface, a more intimate narrative was unfolding—a narrative that, sadly, met a premature and unjust conclusion. For you see, Turing was not just a code-breaker; he was also a man unafraid to live his truth. He was a gay man in an era that was hostile, even vicious, towards the LGBTQ+ community.

Ask yourself this: should a person's sexual orientation determine their place in society? Should it dictate the respect they are afforded, the rights they are granted, the legacy they leave behind? If we believe in equality, in justice, our answer must be a resounding 'no'. Yet, Turing was prosecuted for gross indecency, subjected to hormone treatment, his identity brutally policed and punished by the very society he had helped to save.

In the tragic final act of his life, Turing died prematurely at the tender age of 42. His death was not just a loss for the LGBTQ+ community, but for the entire world. For we lost a pioneering mind, a beacon of innovation, and above all, a man who dared to live his truth amidst a sea of prejudice.

Today, as we remember Turing, let's celebrate his life not just as a code-breaker, but as a symbol of courage in the face of adversity. His legacy serves as a potent reminder that it is not our sexual orientation, but our actions, our intellect, and our humanity that define us. It is a story of resilience and authenticity, a clarion call for justice and equality that resonates even today.

As we honour Turing's contributions, let's also remember to confront the prejudices that tarnished his final years. Because, dear reader, it is only by acknowledging and challenging these prejudices that we can truly honor Turing's legacy and ensure that history does not repeat itself. Let Turing's life be not a cautionary tale of intolerance, but an inspiring narrative of resilience and authenticity that continues to illuminate our path towards a more inclusive, equitable society.