Author of the photo, Reuters
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- Author, Newsroom
- Place of work BBC Russian Service
- X,
King Charles III took part in the first event since his coronation in support of the LGBT+ community. He opened a memorial in central England dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender servicemen who suffered discrimination to the point of being discharged from military service.
Until 2000, people who were not heterosexual or who were simply perceived as such could not serve in the British Army, Navy and Air Force. Those suspected not even of sex, but simply of homosexuality, were punished, expelled from service in disgrace, often tried by a military tribunal and sent to prison – this happened even in 1995.
The ban was lifted only in 2000, after the European Court of Human Rights made a corresponding decision on the complaint of four former British soldiers.
The memorial, called “An Open Letter”, is dedicated to members of the LGBT+ community currently serving in the military, as well as those who served during the ban.
Veterans who suffered under pre-2000 restrictions say the monument symbolizes the “closure” of a decades-long fight to change the law and provide compensation.
Author of the photo, Reuters
The bronze sculpture, created by artists from the Abraxas Academy (Norfolk) collective, was officially unveiled on Monday 27 October at National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where there are many monuments to various categories of British veterans.
The memorial features an image of a crumpled piece of paper with quotes from personal letters that were used as evidence to convict LGBT+ service members.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the memorial was a “tribute to the service and courage of veterans” who suffered under discriminatory restrictions in place 25 years ago.
Author of the photo, BBC / Ann Gannon
In total, more than 35 applications for the monument project were submitted. The winner of the competition was a project by artists from Abraxas Academy.
“They’ve been waiting so long for recognition that we didn’t want to let them down,” project director Nina Bilby told the BBC.
Opening a memorial to LGBT+ veterans is one of 49 recommendations made in the independent government-commissioned Atherton Commission report examining the experiences of LGBT+ veterans who served under the ban.
In 2022-23, the late Lord Atherton, Britain’s first openly gay judge, commissioned a formal independent inquiry into the crackdown on homosexuality in the military and heard from 1,145 veteran victims of it.
Lord Etherton in his report made more than 40 recommendations to the authorities, such as paying compensation and returning awards and insignia to servicemen expelled from the army.
Following the publication of Lord Atherton’s report, then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, speaking in Parliament, apologized to the victims and said the ban was a “dismal failure” of the British state.
Author of the photo, Pádraigín Ní Rághillíg
The organization of the creation and installation of the memorial was carried out by the charity Fighting With Pride, which supports LGBT+ veterans and was created to fight for justice and support those who suffered from the ban.
“It’s a deeply emotional moment where we give physical expression to something that happened to them but should never have happened,” says the organization’s chief executive Peter Gibson.
Veterans affected by the ban can apply for financial compensation of up to 70 thousand pounds sterling ($93.4 thousand).
Peter Gibson hopes the memorial’s unveiling will encourage injured veterans to seek compensation and support.
“We know there are still veterans harmed by the ban who are entitled to compensation,” he said.
Other measures already taken include pardons for people who received prison sentences during the ban, as well as the return of medals and honorary berets.
A Ministry of Defense spokesman told the BBC that authorities “deeply regret” the unfair treatment of those affected by the ban and that what they experienced “does not reflect modern values and an inclusive culture”.
“We appreciate the courage of those who shared their experiences and remain committed to ensuring that all service members feel valued, respected and can succeed while serving in our Armed Forces,” the department said in a statement.
What specific actions are advocacy groups taking to address the pension entitlements of LGBT+ veterans who were unfairly discharged?
Table of Contents
- 1. What specific actions are advocacy groups taking to address the pension entitlements of LGBT+ veterans who were unfairly discharged?
- 2. King Charles III Dedicates memorial Honoring Fired LGBT+ Veterans
- 3. A Landmark Recognition of Historical Injustice
- 4. the History of Discrimination in the Armed Forces
- 5. Details of the New Memorial
- 6. King Charles III’s Role and Statement
- 7. Advocacy Groups and Their Impact
- 8. Benefits for Veterans & Ongoing Support
- 9. Real-World Examples & Veteran Stories
King Charles III Dedicates memorial Honoring Fired LGBT+ Veterans
A Landmark Recognition of Historical Injustice
On October 28, 2025, King Charles III formally dedicated a new memorial in London recognizing the LGBT+ veterans who were dismissed from the British Armed Forces due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This dedication marks a significant moment in acknowledging past wrongs and honoring the service of individuals previously marginalized and discriminated against. The memorial serves as a powerful symbol of inclusivity and a commitment to rectifying historical injustices within the military. This event is particularly poignant given the decades of systemic discrimination faced by these veterans.
the History of Discrimination in the Armed Forces
For decades, British military policy explicitly prohibited openly LGBT+ individuals from serving. This policy, rooted in societal prejudices and security concerns, led to the discharge of countless qualified personnel.
* Pre-2000: Homosexuality was considered a crime in the UK, and the armed forces actively investigated and discharged suspected LGBT+ service members.Dismissals frequently enough involved dishonorable discharges, impacting future employment and benefits.
* 2000-2018: While the ban on openly gay people serving was lifted in 2000, a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy effectively remained in place, creating a climate of fear and forcing many to conceal their identities. Further progress saw the lifting of the ban on transgender service in 2018.
* Impact of Dismissal: Veterans discharged under these discriminatory policies often faced significant hardship, including loss of pension rights, difficulty finding civilian employment, and psychological trauma. The stigma associated with dismissal also led to social isolation and mental health challenges.
Details of the New Memorial
The memorial, located near the Ministry of Defense headquarters, features a striking design intended to represent both remembrance and reconciliation.
* Design Elements: The memorial incorporates bronze sculptures and inscribed stones, bearing quotes from veterans and acknowledging the sacrifices made. The design emphasizes inclusivity and the breaking down of barriers.
* Funding & Support: The project was funded through a combination of government grants, charitable donations, and fundraising efforts led by veteran advocacy groups.Significant contributions came from organizations dedicated to LGBT+ rights and military welfare.
* Location Importance: The proximity to the Ministry of Defence is purposeful, serving as a constant reminder of the institution’s past failings and its commitment to future inclusivity.
King Charles III’s Role and Statement
King Charles III’s personal involvement in the dedication ceremony underscores the importance of this moment. His presence signals a clear message of support for LGBT+ veterans and a recognition of the need for continued progress towards equality.
* Royal Support: The King has been a long-time advocate for LGBT+ rights, and his participation in the dedication ceremony is seen as a continuation of that commitment.
* Key Remarks: In his address, King Charles III acknowledged the “deep injustice” faced by LGBT+ veterans and praised their courage and resilience. He emphasized the importance of learning from the past and building a more inclusive future for all.
* Commitment to Reconciliation: The King’s statement highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to address the lingering effects of discrimination and to ensure that all veterans receive the support and recognition they deserve.
Advocacy Groups and Their Impact
Several organizations have been instrumental in advocating for the rights of LGBT+ veterans and bringing this memorial to fruition.
* fighting With Pride: This institution has been at the forefront of the campaign for recognition and redress for LGBT+ veterans. They have provided legal support, advocacy, and a platform for veterans to share their stories.
* Stonewall: A leading LGBT+ rights charity, Stonewall has actively campaigned for policy changes to ensure equal treatment within the armed forces.
* Royal British Legion: The Legion has increasingly focused on supporting LGBT+ veterans and acknowledging their unique experiences. They have played a key role in facilitating dialog and promoting inclusivity.
Benefits for Veterans & Ongoing Support
The dedication of the memorial is not just a symbolic gesture; it is indeed also intended to pave the way for tangible benefits for LGBT+ veterans.
* Pension Review: Advocacy groups are continuing to push for a review of pension entitlements for veterans who were unfairly discharged. Many believe they are entitled to the same benefits as their heterosexual counterparts.
* Mental Health Support: Recognizing the psychological trauma experienced by many LGBT+ veterans, increased funding is being allocated to mental health services tailored to their specific needs.
* Recognition of Service: the memorial serves as a public acknowledgment of their service and sacrifice, helping to heal old wounds and foster a sense of belonging.
Real-World Examples & Veteran Stories
The stories of individual veterans highlight the profound impact of discriminatory policies.
* Alan Turing: While not directly related to this specific memorial, the posthumous pardon granted to Alan Turing, a brilliant codebreaker persecuted for his homosexuality, set a precedent for addressing historical injustices.
* Veteran X (Name withheld for privacy): A former Royal Navy engineer discharged in the 1980s spoke of the devastating impact on his life, stating, “I lost everything –
