Bletchley Park, former home to one of the most famous World War
Two code breakers, Alan Turing will this week host an event to
launch the 2013 science, engineering and maths-themed LGBT History
Month
Mathematician and computer scientist Turing helped crack
German secret codes during the Second World War, saving thousands
of lives as a result. Turing was a gay man, but because
homosexuality at the time was illegal he was persecuted by the
authorities and eventually took his own life in 1954.
Not only does Turing's memory bring together the themes of this
year's LGBT History Month, he also represents the homophobia many
still face today. Turing is often referred to as the 'father of
modern computing' and is a revered figurehead. The event also marks
the centenary of Turing's birth, making the Bletchley launch the
perfect place and time to raise the profile of LGBT people in
similar fields.
The LGBT organisation Schools OUT, who are part of the event,
campaign for schools to create environments where pupils can be
out, proud and safe. They hope that setting the launch at
Bletchley will make schools around the country find inspiration in
Turing's life and work.
The day itself will consist of a variety of events. Pupils from
Milton Keynes and Birmingham will receive a tour of the estate as
well as learning about the homophobia Turing faced, and also his
accomplishments.
Schools OUT will conduct a sample lesson to show how positive
LGBT images can be incorporated into the current curriculum. There
will also be a debate about the LGBT community and science and a
host of prominent LGBT speakers from various fields will be
present.
One of the speakers, Elly Barnes (last year's Pink List number
1) who works for LGBT equality in schools, told DIVA:
"'February's LGBT History Month is an incredibly effective
vehicle through which to educate our learners at all key stages
about the achievements of LGBT people both living and dead. The
celebration not only acknowledges and highlights LGBT people, it
also provides schools with an inclusive LGBT curriculum which
enlightens our communities thus creating an environment where young
people and teachers can be who they want to be".
LGBT History month takes place throughout the UK in February
2013
For more information:
the-classroom.org.uk/
lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/caffairs/lgbt-history-month-pre-launch-2/
