UK’s first ever memorial to LGBTQ+ armed forces personnel to be built

The UK will establish its first memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, dedicated to the “lost legion” of LGBTQ+ individuals who have served in the armed forces.

According to ‘The Guardian’, this initiative follows a significant £350,000 grant awarded to a charity that has been at the forefront of advocating for veterans impacted by the ban on LGBT individuals serving in the UK armed forces prior to 2000.

The charity, Fighting With Pride, states that the memorial will be “representative” and serve as a “place for peace and reflection.” However, they have urged the government to act on the findings and recommendations of a government-commissioned review by Lord Etherton from last year, which includes compensatory measures.

Craig Jones, chair of Fighting With Pride, emphasised the ongoing challenges: “We’re committed to delivering a fitting memorial, but we must address the ongoing struggles faced by veterans most harmed by the ban, who continue to endure poverty following their discontinued careers.”

“These individuals often struggle with severe debt, inadequate housing, social isolation, and compromised health and wellbeing. 2024 should be the year we implement all 49 of Lord Etherton’s reparative recommendations.”

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The review initiated last year focused on the plight of LGBTQ+ veterans who served between 1967 and 2000 during the prohibition period.

Etherton’s report recommended, “I recommend that the prime minister should deliver an apology in the UK parliament on behalf of the nation to all those LGBT service personnel who served under and suffered from the ban (whether or not they were dismissed or discharged).”

Furthermore, the report suggested offering an “appropriate financial award” to the impacted veterans, capped at a total of £50m, and emphasised that this plan should transcend typical litigation deadlines.

Last year, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and then-Defence Minister Ben Wallace issued formal apologies in the Commons for the long-standing ban and affirmed their commitment to enact the “vast majority” of Etherton’s recommendations.

Johnny Mercer, the veterans minister, expressed pride in the contribution of LGBTQ+ veterans and recognised their service. “We are proud of our LGBT veterans and grateful for their service in defence of our nation, and I am pleased that Fighting With Pride will help to deliver a memorial to honor them,” he stated.

“We are committed to quickly implementing the recommendations from Lord Etherton’s independent review, and this memorial will bring us a step closer to that goal.”

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Veterans Demand Commons Debate On Review Into Past Armed Forces Gay Ban

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