UK’s first LGBTQ+ veterans memorial to be created as charity urges government to pay reparations
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The UK government has awarded a grant to Fighting with Pride, a charity dedicated to LGBTQ+ veterans, to help create the UK’s first memorial honoring LGBTQ+ veterans. The memorial will be located at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire and will serve as a tribute to those who were affected by the pre-2000 ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.
The ban on LGBTQ+ individuals serving in the British military was in place until 2000, leading to the court-martialing and dismissal of many servicemen and women. This left them without a stable income or pension, causing financial hardship and emotional distress for many veterans.
Craig Jones, the chairperson of Fighting with Pride, expressed the importance of the memorial in honoring LGBTQ+ veterans who faced discrimination and mistreatment while serving their country. He highlighted the stories of veterans like Michael Howard, a captain in the Coldstream Guards who received the Military Cross for his bravery during World War II. Jones emphasized the need to recognize and remember the sacrifices made by LGBTQ+ veterans.
The government has allocated a £350,000 grant for the construction of the memorial, which is set to be unveiled in May 2025. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer praised the efforts of Fighting with Pride in creating the memorial and acknowledged the contributions of LGBTQ+ veterans to national defense.
However, despite the progress in recognizing LGBTQ+ veterans’ contributions, there are still unresolved issues regarding compensation for those affected by the ban. The government has yet to fully repay the promised compensation to veterans, causing frustration and disappointment among LGBTQ+ community members.
Ahmed Al-Nahhas, head of the military claims team at solicitors Bolt Burdon Kemp, expressed concerns about the delay in compensating LGBTQ+ veterans who suffered financial and emotional hardships due to the ban. He emphasized the need for prompt and fair compensation to address the injustices faced by LGBTQ+ veterans.
In response to these concerns, former prime minister Rishi Sunak and defense secretary Ben Wallace have issued apologies for the treatment of LGBTQ+ personnel in the armed forces. They have pledged to address the issues and ensure that LGBTQ+ veterans receive the compensation they deserve.
As the memorial project moves forward, Fighting with Pride is calling on the government to expedite the repayment of compensation to LGBTQ+ veterans. The charity is committed to ensuring that all 49 recommendations made by Lord Etherton’s independent review are implemented to provide reparations for those affected by the ban.
The creation of the UK’s first LGBTQ+ veterans memorial is a significant step towards recognizing and honoring the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in the armed forces. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by LGBTQ+ veterans and highlights the importance of acknowledging their service to their country.
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LGBTQ+ veterans memorial
