LGBTQ+ veterans in the United Kingdom are renewing their calls on the prime minister to apologize for the grave mistreatment they endured under the military’s former gay ban. Until the year 2000, a ban existed within the British armed forces that rendered it illegal for LGBTQ+ individuals to serve in any branch of the military. Those who were “found out” or merely suspected of being queer faced dishonorable discharge, abuse, and the denial of their pensions, resulting in a lifetime of financial and mental anguish.
The discriminatory practices enforced by the ban were far-reaching and included physical and sexual assault, conversion therapy, blackmail, and the outing of LGBTQ+ service members to their families. In response to mounting concerns, an independent review was commissioned by ministers and chaired by Baron Etherton, an openly gay crossbench peer. The review, which focused on the treatment of LGBTQ+ veterans between 1967 and 2000, has recently been completed. However, the government has yet to publish its findings or issue an official apology for the harsh treatment inflicted upon LGBTQ+ veterans.
The lack of transparency surrounding the review has sparked apprehension that it may be conveniently sidelined. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 former military personnel were affected by the ban, although some sources suggest a significantly higher figure. In light of this, LGBTQ+ veterans have rallied together, urging the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, to issue a formal apology. They assert that this matter holds tremendous significance and carries deep emotional weight for those who continue to suffer the enduring effects of the ban.
One veteran, who served as a Royal Air Force painter and finisher at RAF Kinloss in Scotland, revealed that she was unaware of her sexual orientation when she enlisted in 1986 at the age of 19. Her first encounter with coming out transpired during an arduous interrogation by military police in 1991, where she endured days of relentless questioning until finally breaking down and confessing her sexuality. Despite receiving recommendations for promotion and boasting an exemplary record, she was discharged from the RAF with a certificate stating that her “potential was marred only by her sexuality.” Reflecting on her experience, she expressed, “It was going to be a career for the rest of my life as I saw it at the time. This happened to many, many people, and it needs to be out there.”
Another veteran recounted being subjected to physical violence in the 1970s, where one of his attackers wore steel-toecap boots that caused severe injuries. Tony Sargeant, from Ossett in West Yorkshire, had not realized his attraction to men until he joined the army. He shared, “I hadn’t been very good at school, I didn’t have many qualifications, and I wanted a life that I could be proud of.” Sergeant’s military career was abruptly curtailed when he was found guilty of gross indecency, leading to a 112-day sentence in a military prison. Although he was subsequently cleared on appeal and transferred to another camp, news of his charge followed him, resulting in the vicious attack he endured. He expressed that an apology from the prime minister on behalf of the nation would hold immense significance to him, emphasizing, “It’s just someone saying sorry, but for me, it’s very important.”
Caroline Paige, who joined the RAF in 1980 and became the first openly transgender officer in the UK’s military, now actively campaigns with Fighting with Pride, advocating for LGBTQ+ veterans affected by the ban. Paige stressed the importance of a “meaningful” apology from those in positions of authority, stating that it would have a resounding impact on the entire community. In response to the growing demand for an apology, a government spokesperson acknowledged that the treatment of LGBTQ+ serving personnel before 2000 was entirely unacceptable and did not reflect the values of today’s armed forces. They confirmed that Lord Etherton’s independent review has concluded, and the government is currently carefully considering its findings, promising to respond in due course.
As the wait for a resolution prolongs, LGBTQ+ veterans who endured the historic ban and their families, along with serving personnel and professionals, anxiously anticipate hearing their fate. The testimonies of 1,155 individuals, bravely reliving their darkest days, were shared during a recent House of Commons debate on the review. It is a watershed moment for those whose lives were marred by the ban, as they continue to seek acknowledgment and redress for the injustices inflicted upon them.