LGBT+ veterans – The Journey Home
“My hope is that […] a line may finally be drawn under this unjust aspect of the history of the UK’s armed forces that persisted prior to 2000 but whose damaging consequences are still experienced by many LGBT veterans today.” ~ Rt. Hon Lord Etherton Kt, KC, PC
The late Lord Etherton’s independent review of the treatment of LGBT+ serving personnel between 1967 and 2000 changed the future for thousands of veterans who were removed or forced from service by the ‘gay ban’. His recommendations led to the announcement of a series of restorative measures and marked the start of a vital journey of justice and recognition for those impacted by the ban.
Reconnecting the military family
While the armed forces is now a very different environment in terms of diversity and inclusion, LGBT+ veterans continue to face shame and isolation. Many are still unaware of new reparations schemes or hesitant to access support due to trauma, stigma and lack of trust. That’s something that LGBT+ military charity Fighting With Pride (FWP) wants to change.
Funded through our Fulfilling Futures programme, FWP’s project The Journey Home will ensure that LGBT+ veterans, service personnel and their families, particularly those most impacted by the ban, are seen, heard and embraced by the wider military community.
Making connections and building bridges
At the heart of Etherton’s review are the moving testimonies of those impacted by the ban which demonstrate a shocking culture of homophobia and bullying, the damaging consequences of which are still felt today. For some, this is the first time they have told their stories, and many found recalling past traumatic events a distressing process.
Many still feel anger about how they were treated. They are reluctant to engage with military organisations or veterans’ services, while some have never considered themselves veterans because of the treatment they received.
Etherton’s review states the importance of making services more accessible and inclusive for LGBT+ veterans. Creating a culture and community that welcomes, supports and promotes engagement with LGBT+ veterans is vital, and it’s that which is central to FWP’s work.
The Journey Home will find, connect and support LGBT+ veterans, families and carers, linking them with reparations and the support they need. By raising awareness of reparations and the support available, FWP will encourage more members of this community to reach out and access help, while events and collaborative partnerships will improve understanding and perception of LGBT+ veterans.
FWP CEO Peter Gibson told us: “FWP is delighted to have secured this essential funding from the Trust. We can now complete our nationwide network of Veteran Community Workers who support LGBT+ veterans to secure their reparation following the landmark Etherton Report.
“In addition, the funding will allow us to secure a Volunteer Manager which will help us connect with and support many more LGBT+ veterans around the UK.”
Lived experience is vital to FWP’s approach, ensuring those who seek help feel welcome and understood. The aim is to seamlessly reconnect the LGBT+ military community to the wider military family, improving social connection and wellbeing as well as encouraging more veterans to confidently access support.
A sustainable community of support
Following the 25th anniversary of the lifting of the ban, and the announcement of the LGBT+ Financial Recognition Scheme, FWP expect to see a surge in those seeking support. But as more veterans take up reparations and support, FWP will evolve to become a sustainable community-run charity.
Central to The Journey Home is a peer-led volunteer outreach programme which will build and strengthen the LGBT+ veteran community. Through this programme, veteran volunteers will connect with others, providing peer support, developing relationships with the wider military community and amplifying the project’s reach.
Peter explains: “Volunteering is a fresh departure for our charity and puts us on a path to long term sustainability, ensuring that we are reaching every LGBT+ veteran, harnessing the energy, enthusiasm and experience of our community, for the benefit of our community.”
FWP’s Veterans Community team are already creating connections across the UK, encouraging the wider veterans’ sector to show their understanding and welcome for the LGBT+ military community. Organisations can also become part of the Pride in Veterans Standard (PiVS), a programme developed by FWP which demonstrates commitment to delivering the highest standards for LGBT+ veteran inclusion.
Etherton states that all those engaging with veterans should use the review as a “springboard for engagement […] reassuring them that their service is valued and that they are as much part of the veterans’ community as any other veteran”.
FWP believe LGBT+ veterans will engage when they see safety, recognition and peer support. The Journey Home will create an environment where inclusivity is normalised, and self-identity, belonging and wellbeing are vastly improved, reconnecting even more LGBT+ veterans, families and carers to the wider military family.
Find out more
This project was awarded funding through our Fulfilling Futures programme which seeks to offer targeted support for veterans who have experienced significant, negative impact related to their experience during service. You can find a full list of projects supported through Fulfilling Futures here.
LGBT+ veterans and their families seeking support can access help and guidance via FWP’s website.
You can read the LGBT Veterans Independent Review in full here.