King Charles laid flowers at the UK's first national memorial commemorating LGBT armed forces personnel on Monday. The ceremony took place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where the King was joined by dozens of serving and former military members.
The memorial, titled An Opened Letter, honours those who faced discrimination under the military's former "gay ban". Charles met veterans who spoke of the trauma and humiliation they endured when their careers were cut short before the ban was lifted in 2000.
Thousands of personnel were investigated, discharged or forced to leave their military careers because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Many faced lifelong consequences, including vilification by family and friends and losing access to their military pensions.
Personal testimony highlights impact
Brigadier Clare Phillips addressed 300 guests at the dedication ceremony, describing her journey from "a life of secrecy, fear and darkness to a career of pride, openness and joy". The gay woman, who has served in the British Army for 30 years, said hundreds of LGBT veterans saw their "lives and careers shattered".
"For the serving community, today's unveiling of this incredible memorial is about remembering that we stand on the shoulders of giants," Phillips said. She told veterans: "You belong and you always did."
The memorial represents a "powerful step forward in recognising and honouring the service and sacrifices" of the LGBT armed forces community, according to military charity Fighting With Pride. The sculpture takes the form of a crumpled bronze letter made up of words from personnel impacted by the ban, which was in place from 1967 until January 11, 2000.
Government apology and compensation
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologised in 2023 on behalf of the British state for the "horrific" historical treatment of LGBT military personnel. The apology followed an independent review that heard shocking accounts of homophobia, bullying, blackmail, sexual assaults and conversion therapy.
Veterans who suffered under the ban will receive up to £70,000 each as part of a government redress scheme announced in December 2023. Those dismissed or discharged because of their sexual orientation or gender identity will receive £50,000, with personnel "negatively affected" during their service eligible for up to another £20,000.
The payments will be exempt from income tax and means-tested benefits. Veterans who lost their rank can also apply to have it restored and their discharge reason amended.
Memorial design and funding
The memorial has been funded by a £350,000 grant from the Office for Veterans' Affairs at the Ministry of Defence. It was designed by the Abraxas Academy collective of artists and represents the experiences documented in the independent review.
Peter Gibson, chief executive of Fighting With Pride, described the moment as "deeply emotional". He said the memorial expresses "that what happened to them should never have taken place and must never be allowed to happen again".
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
