Over £31 million has been distributed to 949 LGBTQ veterans as part of the government’s efforts to compensate those impacted by the historical ban on gay individuals serving in the armed forces.
The Ministry of Defence has enhanced its payments team and implemented an automated processing system to expedite applications to the Financial Recognition Scheme, doubling its resources for this purpose.
The ban, which persisted until 2000 despite the decriminalization of homosexuality, led to the dismissal of numerous individuals from the Army, Royal Navy, and RAF, subjecting many to harassment, bullying, forced disclosure of their sexuality, and even imprisonment.
Louise Sandher-Jones MP, Minister for Veterans and People, expressed the government’s commitment to addressing the past mistreatment of LGBTQ personnel and emphasized the need to provide swift support. The Financial Recognition Scheme, acknowledging the injustices suffered by LGBTQ personnel between 1967 and 2000, is set to conclude in December 2026, urging more LGBTQ veterans to step forward, with priority given to elderly applicants, those with serious health conditions, and those facing financial difficulties.
The Mirror has long supported Fighting With Pride’s advocacy for LGBTQ veterans to receive the recognition, assistance, and compensation they rightfully deserve. Claire Ashton, a transgender woman and former gunner in the Royal Artillery who faced bullying as early as 1969, described the payments as the culmination of a lengthy journey, highlighting the significance of the government and Ministry of Defence acknowledging their wrongdoing.
Earlier this year, King Charles laid flowers at a new memorial honoring LGBTQ+ armed forces veterans, with Ms. Ashton praising his presence for adding a royal endorsement to the event, making it special for many. Fighting With Pride’s Chief Executive, Peter Gibson, lauded the progress made but stressed the need for improved decision-making speed and further support for veterans excluded from reparations.
The LGBTQ+ Armed Forces charity urged the government to enhance publicity campaigns to ensure awareness and prevent veterans from missing out on the support available.