Lynn Conway, a trailblazing computer scientist, passed away at the age of 86 in Jackson, Michigan. Despite being fired by IBM in the 1960s due to her transgender identity, she went on to make significant technological advancements. After undergoing gender reassignment surgery in 1968, she lived in secrecy for 31 years before publicly coming out as transgender in 1999.
Conway’s career took off at the Xerox PARC laboratory, where she played a key role in designing computer chips. Her contributions to the field of computing, though often overlooked, laid the foundation for personal computers, cellphones, and national defense systems.
In 2020, IBM issued a formal apology to Conway for the discrimination she faced, marking a significant moment in her journey as a transgender advocate. Despite the challenges she encountered, Conway’s legacy as a pioneer in the world of technology and as a champion for transgender rights will continue to inspire future generations.