LGBT History Month Heroes, 4 of 4

In this 4 part feature the 29 heroes – some individuals, some organisations, and some who are their own separate category – are brought together.

Short story competition

Editorial on the Write Queer London project, and being a runner-up in the story competition.

Alan Turing

To mark the last day of LGBT History Month, 2012, the Polari team have selected Alan Turing for Polari Magazine’s list of LGBT Heroes. For UK LGBT History Month, and Turing Year, 2012. Written by Paul Baker.

“While many people have singled out Turing because of his contribution in helping Britain and its allies win World War II, it should be remembered that there were thousands of forgotten men who lived through the wars, who fought in them, and were also punished because of who they loved.”

Pink Triangle Theatre

Theatre group Pink Triangle Theatre selected for Polari Magazine’s list of LGBT Heroes. For UK LGBT History Month 2012.

“Tenacity, commitment and a real understanding of how to communicate with youth, are all crucial to tackling homophobia before it becomes an acceptable way of thinking. This what Pink Triangle Theatre does, and for that its four man team should be applauded.”

Latest News on the Petition to revoke Alan Turing

The justice minister, Lord McNally, unfairly dismisses the pardon for Alan Turing.

“In his centenary, Turing is owed a debt of gratitude by this country. LGBT History Month is not the time to reject that change.”

Gay Face: Another Contemporary Stereotype

Paul Baker takes a look at the term ‘gay face’, and how its use as an insult is just homophobic.

If you’re calling someone “gay face” then I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that, not only are you a little bit catty, but you’ve also bought in to all the nasty homophobic and genderphobic stereotypes that mainstream society has been using to make gay men second class citizens for decades.

Petition to revoke Alan Turing’s continuing criminal status

Alan Turing was a war hero, and his work helped to win World War II. Yet he is still legally a criminal.

The petition states: “Alan Turing was driven to a terrible despair and early death by the nation he’d done so much to save. This remains a shame on the UK government and UK history.”

Polari Facts looks at some 2009 anniversaries.

Milestone gay anniversaries in 2009. Including the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots to Thomas Jefferson’s proposal that “sodomites” be punished with castration. Yikes!

Alan Turing, the who man decoded many of the Nazi ciphers in World War II, including the Enigma code, was repaid by his country with criminal prosecution and enforced “treatment” for his homosexuality. He committed suicide 55 years ago.