Fighting With Pride (FWP), the LGBTQ+ veterans’ charity, has been awarded a £350,000 grant to create the UK’s first memorial dedicated to the “lost legion” of LGBTQ+ people who have served in the armed forces.
The memorial, which will be built at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, has been created following a review, led by Lord Etherton, into historical mistreatment of service personnel.
FWP spearheaded efforts to get justice for veterans affected by the pre-2000 ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.
The charity said the memorial will be “representative” and a “place for peace and reflection”, but urged the Government to move quickly on other steps to make amends.
The ban saw thousands of members of the armed forces removed from service, some of whom faced violence and abuse because of their sexuality.
Craig Jones MBE, chair of FWP, said: “In the coming weeks Fighting With Pride will invite the views of the community to ensure the memorial is representative and a place for peace and reflection for today’s Armed Forces family.
“We are delighted and proud to have the opportunity to create this important memorial, our work on it will start quickly.
“We’re committed to delivering a fitting memorial, but a great deal of work remains to be done to lift the veterans most affected by the ban from the poverty inflicted upon them after the loss of careers.
“Too many face crippling debt, poor housing, social isolation and live with poor health and wellbeing. 2024 must be the year in which all 49 of Lord Etherton’s recommendations for reparation are delivered.”
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