In a fascinating exploration of the groundbreaking work by computer science pioneer Alan Turing, the forgotten queer aspects of his original Turing test have resurfaced. While contemporary versions of the test omit the gender-bending component, Turing's vision showcased a drag show at the inception of artificial intelligence.

Turing, celebrated as one of the "fathers" of digital computers and remembered as an LGBTQ+ icon, dared to challenge gender conformity in a time when openly identifying as gay risked persecution under anti-homosexuality laws enforced in England. Often overshadowed by his technical achievements, Turing's queer ideas can be gleaned from his writings and the gender-confusing nature of the imitation game he proposed.

Dating back to 1950, just a few years after the first programmable digital computer was operational, Turing referred to the computer as a "mechanical mind" during a BBC speech. He speculated about the possibility of machines possessing the capability to think like human minds, sparking significant controversy.

Turing's imitation game, played with three participants, a man (A), a woman (B), and an interrogator (C), pushed the boundaries of deception and identity. The objective was for the interrogator to correctly identify the man and woman while the man aimed to masquerade as a woman, leading to the interrogator making the wrong identification. Turing then pondered what would happen when a machine replaced the man in the game, replacing the question of "Can machines think?" with queries about the computer's ability to deceive.

Essentially, the Turing test began as a competition involving gender performance, where a man took on the role of a woman. With the introduction of AI, this notion equated to a computer in drag, a captivating concept reminiscent of the flamboyant world of drag culture and its celebration of gender as a fluid and transformative concept.

Although Turing's analogy lacked the glitter and frills associated with modern drag performances, it contained a similar essence. Drag culture transcends conventional gender boundaries, celebrating the imaginative possibilities of what gender can become. Turing, too, was pushing the limits of intelligence, seeking to explore and amplify its potential through the lens of artificial intelligence.

Today, AI has become woven into the fabric of our society, integrating into news sources, classrooms, and medicine. The ChatGPT, an AI-powered language model, has made significant strides in passing the Turing test, a testament to its accuracy and capabilities. However, caution is necessary, as the AI's creativity is limited by its reliance on predicting outcomes based on existing text.

Despite its limitations, the AI-driven ChatGPT surprises users with its originality. It draws upon a vast collection of worldwide text, recombining and recreating language in ways that often feel fresh and unexpected. This ability to create something new resonates with Turing's vision of AI that could "do something really new."

Unfortunately, as AI simulations become increasingly human-like, concerns arise. OpenAI's recent use of an eerily realistic voice similar to Scarlett Johansson's, without her consent, highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI and its potential to replicate and reinforce traditional gender stereotypes. This poses the risk of AI becoming a stale portrayal of women, catering to societal expectations rather than embracing the imaginative possibilities of gender performance.

Turing's enduring legacy encompasses not only his pioneering work in AI and computing but also his courageous openness about his sexuality. Despite facing persecution and enduring chemical castration, Turing's intellectual contributions were eventually recognized, and he was posthumously pardoned for his "crimes." His story serves as a reminder of the intertwined history of LGBTQ+ rights and technological advancements.

Ultimately, Turing's queer vision challenges us to reimagine AI as an entity that goes beyond mere replication. Like the captivating world of drag, AI can redefine and reimagine womanhood, intelligence, and creativity. By embracing the transformative possibilities and breaking free from societal norms, AI has the potential to surprise, enlighten, and create something truly remarkable.