It’s the first time His Majesty the King has taken part in an LGBT event in an official capacity
A Traitors star has spoken of her gratitude for the King attending the dedication of the first memorial to LGBT armed forces veterans.
Leanne Quigley, a former Army soldier and winner of Series 3 of the BBC reality show, said it had been “a really powerful day.” She told the Mirror: “It’s been 25 years since the ban was lifted in the services. So a lot of people today, I think are feeling a great sense of relief, validation, and I think they really feel seen. So it’s been a really special day.”
Leanne, 28, said it was “incredible” to have the King at the ceremony, and she was “grateful” to him for attending. And she spoke about “really special” conversations she’d been able to have with veterans who had suffered for years following their dismissal.
“There was a lot of thoughts and feelings passed around,” she said. “A lot of people, are finally feeling seen. They now identify as veterans when before they may not have done so. So today is a really powerful day.”
It’s the first time His Majesty the King has taken part in an LGBT event in an official capacity.
The ban, which remained in place until 2000 – long after homosexuality was decriminalised – saw thousands dismissed from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF. Many of them were hounded, bullied, outed against their will or even imprisoned because of their sexuality. People who served their country with distinction lost their careers, ranks and medals – and many were left with lifelong mental health issues as a result.
For many years the Mirror has supported Fighting With Pride’s campaign for LGBT Veterans to get the recognition, support and compensation they deserve. It was an emotional day for the more than 100 current and former members of the armed forces attending the dedication service alongside the monarch, and the culmination of years of campaigning by LGBT veterans charity Fighting with Pride.
The Band of the Irish Guard played Queen, Lady Gaga and ABBA songs as veterans arrived at the memorial, nestled between hawthorne trees in a sun-dappled glade at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The sculpture is shaped like an opened letter, which represents personal letters which were used to discredit and incriminate serving personnel – and in some cases led to prosecution and imprisonment.
Speaking at the ceremony, Brigadier Clare Phillips said: “My career has taken me from a life of secrecy, fear, and darkness to a career of pride, openness, and joy.
“Instead of hiding myself away, looking over my shoulder, and living in the shadows, I feel celebrated and supported for my whole authentic self, with my contribution valued, my family welcomed, and my presence celebrated.”
She added: “For today’s LGBT personnel, we are not defined by sexual orientation, race, or gender. But by our service, to our nation. And this memorial ensures that we will always honour those who went before us, who served, suffered, and sacrificed.
“It also provides a permanent reminder of the need to protect our progress. to ensure that our future is marked not by division but by acceptance, love, and unwavering support. Diversity is not a compromise. Our armed forces are stronger because of the inclusion that allows talent to thrive, leadership to flourish, and integrity to prevail.”
Louise Sandher-Jones, the minister for Veterans and People, said it was a “significant day” for LGBT veterans – and she hoped the memorial would encourage more of those affected by the ban but have yet to come forward to do so.
“When you’re in the military, you’re part of a family,” she said. “You really want to serve. And to be made to leave in those circumstances, just for being who you are is a hugely traumatic process. And I know that there are those who are still coming to terms with that journey that they’ve made. But I would encourage anybody who was affected to come forward.”
Veterans who were discharged under the ban can apply for financial restoration, as well as an impact scheme for people who suffered particular hurt. Veterans who were stripped of their rank and medals can apply to have those restored.
“We have a number of schemes for restoration. So, we have the financial restoration scheme, which is for those that were discharged, and we also have the impact scheme for those that suffered particular hurt. And a number of non-financial measures, which I know from many will be just support, such a restoration of rank, medals, for example.
“And I would urge anybody who is entitled to that, in your own time, but do please come forward.”