01/06/2026
🏳️🌈 Happy Pride month everyone! 🏳️⚧️
There's a long tradition of LGBTQ+ pioneers in tech, so I'd like to write a few words on this 1st of June about the two I'd consider the absolute pinnacle of British nerdery.
Comfortably the most famous British computer scientist I'm sure we can all agree is Alan Turing, the gay man that cracked the Eniga Code. His achievement shortened World War II, saving thousands of lives. He was ultimately convicted by the government for his sexuality which contributed to his su***de. This reminds us why fighting for LGBTQ+ rights is critical towards a better future for all because there's still such a long way to go! ✊
Secondly, Sophie Wilson, an other British computer scientist with the incredible achievement of having designed the ARM microprocessor core all the way back in 1982. I expect fewer people know her name which is a real shame so let's fix that!
Her contribution to computing is something we all feel the benefit of in our day to day lives. ARM processors are used in the vast majority of smartphones, tablets, routers, car computers, and virtually all other low power and portable devices these days. Some of my older customers might also remember the BBC Micro which she helped to develop.
I hope that all the nasty people typing out transmissic bile on their smartphones come to realise if it wasn't for this amazing trans woman their phone as they know it wouldn't have been possible in the first place! The disrespect of that situation is off the charts, honestly.
It's important that we mark Pride to remember those that blazed the trail against such unnecessary adversity, and to march forwards all together to pave the way for future generations to live their full and authentic selves without fear.
Thanks for reading, don't forget to pop over to Pride in Coalville if you can on August 1st! Cheeky plug, as I'm one of their supporting partners. See you there x
