The UK’s first memorial dedicated to LGBTQ+ veterans, which resembles a crumpled letter forged from words taken from the testimonies of military personnel, is set to bring recognition to those affected by the long-standing ban on queer service members that lasted until 2000. This memorial represents not just a physical place, but a significant acknowledgment of the past trauma endured by those who served while living in fear of retribution.
Ed Hall, the chairman of Fighting With Pride, expressed his satisfaction with the memorial's design, emphasizing, 'It has been incredibly important to all of us at Fighting With Pride that we held a rigorous creative process to find the right design that will provide a place of peace and reflection for the LGBT+ armed forces family.' This highlights the community’s desire for a meaningful tribute.
Minister for veterans' affairs Alistair Carns labeled the former ban on homosexuality as shameful, stating, 'When I joined the Royal Marines in 1999, this abhorrent ban on homosexuality was still in place. A quarter of a century later, we turn a page on that shameful chapter in our national story.' His comments underscore the shift in societal and military attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.
The funding for the memorial, amounting to £350,000 ($428,000), is sourced from the Office for Veterans' Affairs, reflecting a governmental commitment to rectifying past injustices. Additionally, it was recently announced that LGBTQ+ veterans who endured mistreatment under the ban will receive compensation of up to £70,000 ($86,000) each, acknowledging the hardships they faced during their service.
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