King Charles is scheduled to visit the inaugural memorial honoring LGBT armed forces personnel today at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The monarch will participate in the unveiling of a bronze sculpture named “An Opened Letter,” symbolizing the impact of the ‘gay ban’ in the UK military, which criminalized homosexuality within the forces until 2000. Approximately 20,000 armed forces members faced imprisonment, dismissal, or involuntary exposure before the ban was lifted, leading to enduring mental health challenges due to severe bullying.
The sculpture, resembling an opened letter, signifies the personal letters that were utilized to discredit and prosecute serving personnel, resulting in some cases in incarceration. Fighting with Pride, an LGBT Armed Forces charity, spearheaded the initiative to establish a lasting memorial for the community. Peter Gibson, the charity’s CEO, emphasized the significance of the memorial in rectifying past injustices and ensuring such discrimination never recurs.
Claire Aston, a former member of the Army’s Royal Artillery, expressed her profound emotions at the event, highlighting her personal struggles after being discharged in 1972 for her sexuality. The memorial, designed by Norfolk-based artist collective Abraxas Academy after winning a design competition, serves not only as a tribute to past and future LGBT+ military personnel but also as a place for perpetual remembrance and contemplation.
Last year, Lord Etherington condemned the discriminatory history within the Armed Forces, prompting an official apology from then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the establishment of compensation for affected individuals. Former RAF member Carl Austin-Behan shared his experiences and hopes that the memorial will spark crucial conversations on the dangers of discrimination, shedding light on the challenges faced by LGBT+ armed forces personnel.
The new memorial stands as a testament to progress and inclusivity within the armed forces, fostering a sense of pride and unity among those who have endured past injustices.