Lynn Conway, a significant figure in both computer technology and transgender advocacy, passed away on Sunday at the age of 86. Conway, alongside Carver Mead, co-developed the method of Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI), crucial in the advancement of microchip technology which powers devices from smartphones to cars today. In 1967, Conway began her gender transition and later became an outspoken advocate for transgender rights, providing essential resources and support through her website. Conway’s multifaceted life and contributions to both technology and the transgender community leave a lasting legacy.
In 1998, Japanese comedian Tomoaki Hamatsu, known as Nasubi, was subjected to a severe reality TV show called Denpa Shōnen. Stripped naked and isolated in an apartment, Nasubi aimed to survive solely on competition prizes he won, a challenge meant to reach a value of 1 million yen. Recorded and broadcast without his full understanding, Nasubi was isolated for 15 months, experiencing significant psychological strife. This ordeal is revisited in the new documentary “The Contestant,” directed by Clair Titley, exploring his experience and its impact from a contemporary perspective. The documentary highlights the ethical boundaries of reality TV and public responsibility.