King Charles Unveils LGBT Veterans Memorial, Honoring Sacrifice

On October 30, 2025, King Charles will officially dedicate the UK’s first national memorial honoring LGBT armed forces personnel at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. During this significant ceremony, the King will meet with veterans affected by the military’s previous “gay ban,” which lasted from 1967 until January 11, 2000.

The memorial, funded by the UK government, features a crumpled bronze letter inscribed with words drawn from testimonies of those impacted by the ban. This initiative has been applauded by the charity Fighting With Pride, which described the sculpture as a “powerful step forward in recognising and honouring the service and sacrifices” of the LGBT military community.

Acknowledging Historical Injustice

Under the ban, many service members who were identified or suspected to be gay or transgender faced severe consequences, including brutal interrogations and dismissals. Thousands were investigated and discharged, suffering lifelong repercussions, such as ostracism from family and friends and the loss of military pensions.

As the head of the armed forces, King Charles will dedicate the memorial to all LGBT individuals who have served and continue to serve in the military. The event will include speeches from serving personnel and an address by Ed Hall, chairman of Fighting With Pride, which oversaw the memorial’s design and construction and advocated for justice for veterans.

Following the unveiling in Alrewas, the King will engage with LGBT veterans, including those who have experienced discrimination. Claire Ashton, a former member of the Royal Artillery, expressed her feelings about the memorial, stating, “This is a moment I never believed would happen, a moment full of meaning and, finally, of pride.” Ashton, who was forced out of the Army in 1972, reflected on the psychological impact of her dismissal, saying, “I was punished for being myself.”

Another veteran, Sharon Pickering, who served in the Royal Navy until her dismissal in 1991, remarked, “For me, it feels like being welcomed back into a family I missed so much.” She highlighted the importance of being recognized for her service and the validation it brings.

Government Apology and Support

In 2023, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak formally apologized on behalf of the British state for the “horrific” historical treatment of LGBT individuals in the military. This apology followed an independent review that put forth 49 recommendations, including financial reparations and the establishment of a public memorial.

“The devastation and destruction caused by people expressing their love cut short successful careers and, in some cases, ended lives,” said Peter Gibson, chief executive officer of Fighting With Pride.

As part of the redress scheme, veterans who suffered mistreatment under the ban can receive up to £70,000, with those dismissed or discharged due to sexual orientation or gender identity entitled to £50,000. Additionally, personnel negatively affected by the ban during their service from 1967 to 2000 may receive up to another £20,000.

These payments will be exempt from income tax and will not affect means-tested benefits. Veterans who lost their rank due to the ban may also apply for rank restoration and adjustments to their discharge records.

The memorial, designed by the Abraxas Academy collective of artists, received a grant of £350,000 from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs at the Ministry of Defence. This dedication marks a significant moment in recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of LGBT veterans, aiming to ensure that such discrimination is never repeated.

As the ceremony approaches, the importance of acknowledging and honoring those who served under the shadow of injustice resonates deeply among veterans and advocates alike, signaling a commitment to healing and inclusivity within the armed forces.