King Charles unveils memorial to gay military veterans
King Charles III (2nd L) during the dedication ceremony. (Phil Noble – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
King Charles III (2nd L) during the dedication ceremony. (Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
King Charles has unveiled the first memorial to the LGBTQ+ men and women who served in the UK’s armed forces.
“An Opened Letter” was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, on Monday (27 October). Charles, who has never publicly commented on LGBTQ+ rights, laid a bouquet of flowers next to the memorial during the dedication ceremony.
Up until 2000, LGBTQ+ people were not allowed to serve in the army, air force or navy. Many veterans were court-martialled or forced to leave without an income or pension. Under the policy, anyone even just thought to be gay or transgender could be subjected to sometimes-brutal interrogation and dismissal. The free-standing sculpture, made from forged bronze features words taken from evidence from some of those affected by the ban.
LGBTQ+ veterans charity Fighting With Pride, which last year campaigned to get justice for members of the armed forces affected by the ban, was awarded a government grant of £350,000 ($466,000) to create the memorial.
The memorial is one of 49 recommendations made by The Etherton Review, an independent report commissioned by the government to look into the treatment of queer veterans who served while the ban was in force.
Veterans who suffered discrimination can apply for financial redress of up to £70,000 (approximately $93,000). According to the BBC, Fighting With Pride chief executive Peter Gibson said he hoped the memorial would encourage those who haven’t yet come forward to apply, to now do so.
“We know there are more veterans who suffered under the ban who are owed justice and reparations”, he added.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence spoke of deep regret regarding the ban, which was “not reflective of today’s values or the inclusive culture of our armed forces”, adding: “We commend the courage of those who have shared their experiences, and we remain dedicated to ensuring all personnel feel valued, respected and able to thrive in [the UK military].”
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