Justice for LGBTQ+ veterans
The Battle for Lost Veterans
We’re proud to support Fighting with Pride's campaign: The Battle for Lost Veterans. We're joining the call to LGBTQ+ ex-service people who were impacted by the 'gay ban' between 1967 and 2000 to apply to the financial recognition scheme before the 12 December deadline.
The ban on LGBTQ+ people serving in the British Military caused lasting and profound harm to too many people. It is vital that everyone impacted gets justice.
We can all help those affected access justice: speak to your networks, have conversations with your friends and family, ask colleagues to raise awareness – we can all help support people to access the scheme.
Background
Up until the year 2000, LGBTQ+ people were banned from the British military. The ban had a devastating impact on many people who wanted to serve their country. People were criminalised, imprisoned, dismissed and often stripped of their medals.
Too many people had their military careers ruined by this ban because of who they loved.
Stonewall campaigned to end this discrimination and lift the ban, leading to its repeal in 2000. However, little to no support was given to the thousands of LGBTQ+ people who were impacted.
Lord Etherton’s review
In July 2023, the government published the Independent Review by Lord Etherton into the service and experience of LGBTQ+ personnel about their experiences and the impact of the ban. It made 49 recommendations, including that the Government issue a formal apology to LGBTQ+ veterans and they establish a financial recognition scheme to compensate them for what they went through.
Following pressure from campaigning groups, in December 2024 the Government announced they would implement one of the key recommendations of the Etherton review and award LGBTQ+ veterans up to £75 million in financial recognition for ‘historic wrongs’.
How to apply for financial recognition
If you were impacted by the ban on LGBTQ+ people serving in the British military you may be eligible to apply for financial recognition. If you were affected while serving in HM Armed Forces, between 27 July 1967 and 11 January 2000, you can find out more about the application process here.
The scheme opened for applications on 13 December 2024, and closes at 23.59 on 12 December 2026.
Do you know someone who could benefit from the scheme? Head to Fighting With Pride’s website for all the information they need to start an application.
Applications won’t be open forever, so please help spread the word. The more veterans who access the scheme, the more people can receive the justice they deserve.
