King Charles attends UK’s first LGBTQ+ Armed Forces memorial honouring gay ban survivors
The bronze sculpture, titled An Opened Letter, commemorates sailors, soldiers, and aviators affected by the historic ban
By Callum Wells
King Charles was present today (27th October) as the UK’s first ever memorial dedicated to the LGBTQ+ Armed Forces community was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The bronze sculpture, titled An Opened Letter, commemorates sailors, soldiers, and aviators affected by a historic gay ban, which made it illegal to be homosexual in the British Armed Forces from 1967 to 2000. The policy led to thousands of dismissals, forced exits, and discrimination.
He laid flowers at the sculpture, shaped like a personal letter, which represents correspondence used to incriminate service personnel, which in some cases resulted in prosecution or imprisonment. Past and present LGBTQ+ personnel contributed words reflecting a journey from pain and shame to pride and honour.
“The scars left behind are lifelong; the journey home for many LGBTQ+ veterans is only just beginning” – Peter Gibson, CEO of Fighting With Pride
It was created by the artist collective, Abraxas Academy (Charlotte Howarth, Nina Bilbey, Sue Aperghis, James Spedding, Kate Homes).
Fighting With Pride, the UK’s only LGBTQ+ military charity, led the commemoration project. Founded in 2020, the charity supports veterans affected by the Armed Forces’ ban on LGBTQ+ personnel and has been instrumental in securing justice, including a formal apology from then-prime minister Rishi Sunak in 2023, the restoration of rank and medals, and financial payments for affected veterans.
Peter Gibson, CEO of Fighting With Pride, said: “Today’s new memorial helps go towards righting wrongs for many former sailors, soldiers and aviators we at Fighting With Pride support. It’s a deeply emotional moment, expressing in physical form that what happened to them should never have taken place – and equally, but crucially- must never be allowed to happen again. The devastation and destruction caused by people expressing their love cut short successful careers and, in some cases, ended lives. The scars left behind are lifelong; the journey home for many LGBTQ+ veterans is only just beginning.
“Fighting With Pride is proud to have played a major role in making this historic moment happen, a testament to the bravery of those campaigners and veterans who wouldn’t settle until justice has been done. Today is a klaxon call that signals shame can be cast aside and everyone who wants it is welcomed back into their military family.
“We know there are more veterans who suffered under the ban who are owed justice and reparations. We encourage them to get in touch with Fighting With Pride so we can help. We won’t rest in our mission until everyone is found.”
“I’m in my 70’s now and have forever lived with the psychological scars of being kicked out” – Claire Ashton, Army Royal Artillery
Louise Sandher-Jones MP, minister for veterans and people, notably attended the dedication, as well as more than 100 ex-service personnel.
Claire Ashton, Army Royal Artillery (discharged 1972), said, “This is a moment I never believed would happen, a moment full of meaning and, finally, of pride. I’m in my 70’s now and have forever lived with the psychological scars of being kicked out – ‘medically discharged’, as it was labelled on my records. That was in 1972 when I was just 21 years old -my dream career and lifetime plans ruined just like that. I was punished for being myself.
“It has been a cathartic experience seeing the LGBT+ memorial going through its various stages. Seeing the finished ‘Opened Letter’ sculpture is deeply emotional. It means so much to be with others who’ve been through similar nightmares to me and, like me, are making peace with the past; to be alongside today’s armed forces personnel from the LGBT+ community who can be themselves and serve with pride is incredible.”
Carl Austin-Behan, RAF (dismissed 1997) added, “The significance of the LGBT+ memorial blows me away. ‘An Opened Letter’ takes me back to letters I wrote and received at a time of intense secrecy with hidden words and changed identity. I hope once again to walk tall and proud, remembering my service; the pilot I rescued after a crash, the promotion snatched away from me because of my sexuality.
“I’m hopeful the UK’s first LGBT+ armed forces memorial will stimulate important conversations with the public – it will open people’s eyes to how dangerous discrimination is.”
“For me, it feels like being welcomed back into a family I missed so much” – Sharon Pickering, Royal Navy
Sharon Pickering, Royal Navy (dismissed 1991), declared, “This memorial is more than a tribute, it’s a homecoming. The LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial stands as a powerful acknowledgment, not just of our contributions, but of the injustices many of us endured. For me, it feels like being welcomed back into a family I missed so much. It’s a place where I can stand tall again, knowing that my service is finally seen and valued.”
The Royal British Legion backed the project, highlighting the contributions of LGBTQ+ personnel despite historic prejudice.
Lynda Atkins, National Chair, said: “The prejudice and mistreatment of thousands of LGBTQ+ people in the Armed Forces community who served under the ‘gay ban’ was inexcusable. Many people who had dedicated their lives to serving their country were forced or felt pressured to leave the Armed Forces, cutting short careers and ruining lives.
“The LGBTQ+ community has played an essential role in the defence of our country, often in the face of great personal challenge. This memorial not only acknowledges their vital contributions but also celebrates the strength found in diversity and unity. The Royal British Legion is honoured to uphold their legacy and will always be here to provide support, compassion and respect for all who have served.”
Find out more about the new LGBTQ+ armed forces community memorial here, including history pre and post-ban and testimonials.