The government has increased compensation for 949 LGBTQ veterans affected by the historical ban on gay individuals serving in the armed forces, totaling over £31 million in payments. The Ministry of Defence has enhanced its payments team and implemented an automated processing system to expedite applications to the Financial Recognition Scheme.
Until 2000, a ban on LGBTQ individuals serving in the military led to the dismissal of many from the Army, Royal Navy, and RAF, subjecting them to mistreatment, bullying, and even imprisonment due to their sexual orientation. Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, acknowledged the shameful treatment of LGBTQ personnel between 1967 and 2000, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing past injustices.
The Financial Recognition Scheme, acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ personnel during the specified period, is set to close in December 2026, encouraging more LGBTQ veterans to come forward for support. The scheme prioritizes elderly applicants, those with serious health conditions, and individuals facing financial hardships.
Fighting With Pride, supported by the Mirror, advocates for the recognition, support, and compensation of LGBTQ veterans. Claire Ashton, a transgender veteran who faced discrimination as early as 1969, expressed relief at the government’s acknowledgment, highlighting the significance of the payments as a step towards rectifying past wrongs.
King Charles recently paid tribute to LGBTQ+ armed forces veterans at a memorial event, underscoring the importance of recognizing those impacted by the historical ban. While progress has been made, Fighting With Pride’s Chief Executive, Peter Gibson, emphasized the need for improved decision speed and inclusion of veterans dismissed before 1967 in reparations.
Efforts to raise awareness and ensure no veteran misses out on support are ongoing, with calls for the government to enhance publicity campaigns.