Yesterday, the brilliant man who helped his country win the war against the Nazis and set a standard for modern computing, only to be tortured, stripped of his livelihood and resort to killing himself because of his homosexuality, was born 100 years prior.
This is a month to celebrate how we, as a society, have overcome and continue to overcome deadly bigotry and bad laws.
One must not have to suffer indignities or die for one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Never.
We at PFLAG Macon recognize Dr. Alan Turing‘s life, work and tragic end during this Pride Month. We also know better about how we can measure the civility of a society by how that society treats its inhabitants on the basis of such characteristics. We can shape our future by changing our present.
And we do this by talking. Over the Internet. Using the computers which derive their heritage from the work of people like Dr. Turing.
We also change our present by talking and advocating for greater affirmation of the lives and commitments of LGBT people in institutions of power. Starting at home, at church, in the workplace or in the street.
And on the streets of places like Chicago today, the conversation on the street continues in the form of Pride parades where the anniversary of the Stonewall riots are celebrated.
Of course, the local chapters of PFLAG will be present at all of them.
To quote Joe Jervis‘ paraphrasing of a Jewish in-joke about holidays:
“They wish we were invisible.
To Middle Georgians of all sexual orientations and gender identities, we at PFLAG Macon wish you a Happy Pride.
EDIT: And a very special anniversary to all New Yorkers! Today is the 1-year anniversary of marriage equality becoming law in New York. Relive the moment in this video.