“CNN” anchor Anderson Cooper and gay activists are voicing their support for gay code breaker Alan Turing, depicted in the award-winning “The Imitation Game.”
The Weinstein Company released a statement announcing LGBT supporters in entertainment, fashion and the media have praised Turing, a pivotal code breaker during World War II who was also ostracized for his sexuality.
“Incredible story of injustice against a gay genius who cracked Nazi code in World War II saving millions,” Cooper said of Turing. Cooper’s praise comes more than two years after he confirmed his much-speculated-about sexuality in an email to Daily Beast columnist Andrew Sullivan.
Joining Cooper’s praise were Bravo’s “What What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen, GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis and fashion designer Marc Jacobs.
“There’s no telling what more Alan Turing could’ve done for the world if homophobia didn’t exist. He is one of the great unsung heroes of the Twentieth Century,” Cohen said.
Ellis said “The Imitation Game” shows how detrimental an anti-LGBT culture can be, but serves as “an important historical perspective that preserves LGBT history.”
“I only wish to see the day when all people use their energy to celebrate others for their differences rather than persecute them for it…Thank you Alan Turing! Think different, INDEED!!!,” Jacobs said.
In 2013, the British government issued a royal pardon for Turing. The pardon came close to 60 years after a conviction for homosexual activity and chemical castration. He committed suicide at age 41.
In addition to LGBT support, The Weinstein Company created a video praising Turing with “The Imitation Game” actors Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrays the mathematician, and Keira Knightley.
Watch the video.