The new polymer £50 banknote features scientist Alan Turing and has been released into circulation on the Enigma codebreaker’s birthday.
Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey said: “There’s something of the character of a nation in its money, and we are right to consider and celebrate the people on our banknotes. So, I’m delighted that our new £50 features one of Britain’s most important scientists, Alan Turing.”
Who was Alan Turing?
Alan Turing was a Londoner born in Maida Vale and is best known for his codebreaking work at Bletchley Park during WWII.
He was a leading mathematician, developmental biologist, and pioneer in the field of computer science. In addition to this, he was openly homosexual and was persecuted for this.
Why was he convicted?
Turing was prosecuted in 1952 for homosexual acts and later convicted of gross indecency for his relationship with a man.
His conviction led to the removal of his security clearance and meant he no longer worked for the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).
He died in 1954, 16 days before his 42nd birthday, from cyanide poisoning.
In 2013, Queen Elizabeth II granted Turing a posthumous pardon, which many credit as a step towards correcting an overdue injustice.
Jeremy Fleming, Director of GCHQ says “Alan Turing’s appearance on the £50 note is a landmark moment in our history. Not only is it a celebration of his scientific genius which helped to shorten the war and influence the technology we still use today. It also confirms his status as one of the most iconic LGBT+ figures in the world.”
What does this mean for the LGBTQ+ community?
Turing was embraced for his brilliance and persecuted for his sexuality. His legacy is a reminder to our generation and the next to embrace all aspects of diversity.
Many throughout the LGBTQ+ community say his legacy also represents the work still needed to become inclusive and excepting.
Yesterday was a historic day. First openly gay man on a Bank of England note. What better way to spend my first £50 but at @gaystheword wonderful bookshop while buying a book about Turing! ????️???? Thank you for having us!#TheNew50 #Turing50Takeover #Turing pic.twitter.com/aOEjzaHHLl
— ???? Shell ???? (She/Her) (@ShellOConnor88) June 24, 2021
Jim McSweeney is the manager of Gay’s the Word, the UK oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop in London.
Since opening in 1989 he said “societal attitudes have changed towards LGBT people. At the moment there is a lot of backlash around trans people, but particularly for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, it has changed since the 1950s. You just want more of that where it isn’t an issue, where you get on with your life and you are part of society.”
Placing Alan Turing on the note is designed to promote diversity, encourage acceptance, and celebrate the man who gave us the computer.
