King Charles honored LGBT+ armed forces veterans by placing flowers at a new memorial dedicated to them. This marks the first time the King has participated in an official LGBT event. The ban on LGBT+ individuals serving in the military was only lifted in 2000, long after homosexuality was decriminalized, resulting in the dismissal of many servicemen and women from the Army, Royal Navy, and RAF. These individuals faced discrimination, bullying, forced outing, and even imprisonment due to their sexual orientation.
The Mirror has long supported the campaign by Fighting With Pride to advocate for recognition, support, and compensation for LGBT+ veterans. The dedication service, attended by over 100 current and former armed forces members, was an emotional moment and the culmination of the charity’s years of advocacy.
One veteran, Claire Ashton, a trans woman who served in the Royal Artillery, shared her experience of being bullied and ultimately dismissed in 1972. The completion of the memorial brought her relief, symbolizing the closing of a chapter and the beginning of a new one.
The presence of King Charles at the event was deemed significant by Carl Austin-Behan, an ex-RAF firefighter dismissed in 1997 for being gay. He highlighted the progress made since the ban, emphasizing the importance of the King’s attendance.
Commander Roly Woods, Memorial Officer for Fighting With Pride who served in the Royal Navy for 46 years, expressed the importance of the King’s presence, signifying acknowledgment of the past mistreatment of LGBT+ individuals in the armed forces.
The Band of the Irish Guard provided musical accompaniment as veterans gathered at the memorial, which is sculpted like an opened letter symbolizing the personal letters used to incriminate and harm LGBT+ personnel in the past.
Brigadier Clare Phillips, speaking at the ceremony, shared her journey from secrecy and fear to pride and openness, highlighting the importance of honoring and supporting past servicemen and women.
Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People, emphasized the significance of the memorial for LGBT veterans and encouraged those affected by the ban to come forward and seek the support and restoration they are entitled to.
Veterans discharged under the ban are eligible to apply for financial restoration and other forms of support to address the injustices they faced. The ceremony served as a reminder of the progress made and the ongoing need to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals in the armed forces.