LGBT veterans to share experiences of serving during ban on gay troops

Danielle Sheridan
·2 min read
Gay pride flags - Angela Weiss/AFP
Gay pride flags - Angela Weiss/AFP

The Government has launched a review into the experience of LGBT veterans who served during a ban on gay troops in order to "learn from their experiences".

The independent review, part of the Veterans' Strategy Action Plan, will seek to understand how the pre-2000 ban impacted gay personnel in the military.

The Government said it would provide an opportunity for it to better understand the lived experience of LGBT veterans who served prior to 2000, including how being discharged from the military because of their sexuality affected their lives.

It is understood there will be a call for evidence so that anyone with relevant experience comes forward. The Office for Veterans' Affairs, leading the review, is hopeful it will be conducted within the year.

The review will provide information and recommendations on the potential impact the ban may have had on LGBT veterans, including the consequences for their futures and the accessibility of veterans' services for LGBT ex-service personnel.

It will also work to find ways in which the Government can ensure that LGBT veterans are recognised and fully accepted as members of the Armed Forces community.

Important to learn from experiences

Leo Docherty, the Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said: "While the modern military embraces the LGBT community, it is important that we learn from the experiences of LGBT veterans who were affected by the pre-2000 ban.

"This review will allow the voices of veterans to be heard and, importantly, will help us better tailor support to the community."

Mike Freer, the Minister for Equalities, said the Government was committed to "righting the wrongs of the past".

"Listening to those veterans affected by the ban will be critical to moving forward," he said, adding that he was "proud to stand alongside every LGBT veteran".

The announcement of the review comes after the Government enabled those who forfeited medals for reasons related to their sexuality to apply to have them returned.