King Charles honored LGBT+ armed forces veterans by placing flowers at a newly dedicated memorial today. This marked the King’s first official participation in an LGBT event. The memorial recognizes the struggles of former servicemen and women impacted by the historical ban on LGBTQ+ individuals serving in the military, which was not lifted until 2000.
The discriminatory ban, in effect long after the decriminalization of homosexuality, resulted in the dismissal of numerous individuals from the Army, Royal Navy, and RAF. Many faced harassment, bullying, forced outing, and even imprisonment due to their sexual orientation. These veterans, who had served their country with distinction, lost their careers, ranks, and medals, often leading to long-lasting mental health challenges.
The Mirror has staunchly supported the efforts of Fighting With Pride, an organization advocating for the acknowledgment, support, and compensation of LGBT veterans. The emotional dedication service was attended by over 100 current and former armed forces members, including the monarch, culminating years of advocacy by the charity.
Claire Ashton, a transgender woman and former gunner in the Royal Artillery, shared her experience of being bullied throughout her career and eventually dismissed in 1972. Reflecting on the memorial unveiling, she expressed a sense of relief and closure, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity for future generations.
The presence of King Charles at the event held significant symbolism, as noted by Carl Austin-Behan, an RAF firefighter dismissed in 1997 for being gay. He highlighted the progress made in acknowledging past injustices and the importance of royal support in the journey towards equality.
Commander Roly Woods, Memorial Officer at Fighting With Pride and a retired Royal Navy officer, emphasized the importance of the King’s attendance, underlining the state’s acknowledgment of past mistreatment. The event featured musical tributes by the Band of the Irish Guard and a poignant sculpture representing the personal hardships endured by LGBTQ+ personnel.
Brigadier Clare Phillips, speaking at the ceremony, reflected on her transition from secrecy and fear to pride and openness in her military career. She stressed the significance of the memorial in honoring past sacrifices and promoting acceptance and diversity within the armed forces.
Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People, highlighted the importance of the memorial for LGBT veterans and encouraged those affected by the ban to come forward for financial restoration and support schemes. The event underscored the progress made in recognizing and rectifying past injustices, aiming to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all service members.