A dark chapter in LGBTQ+ history from the recent past
February is LGBTQ+ History month, a time for the LGBTQ+ community and friends to reflect on the past. For members of that community who served in the Armed Forces, a dark chapter has yet to fully close.
The Sexual Offences Act of 1967 decriminalised private homosexual acts. However, the Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy were specifically excluded. In 1994 the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act legalised homosexual sex in the Armed Forces, but LGBTQ+ servicemen (and women) could still lose their jobs. Many did.
The stories are shocking. Army Nurse Elaine was subjected to harrowing interrogations and a lengthy investigation. Simon recounts ‘sadistic’ internal examinations on an RAF base. David was imprisoned and kept in handcuffs.
In 1995 Naval Officer Duncan Lustig-Prean was dismissed because of his sexuality. He led the campaign to change the law, taking his case to the European Court of Human Rights, resulting in a change in the law throughout Europe.
In 2000 the ban was ended, and today the Armed Forces welcomes members of the LGBTQ+ community. Yet its shadow is long: many affected by the ban lost not only their career, but also their financial security, dignity, pension, family relationships and friendships. Feelings of distress, shame, and anger persist.
The campaign for redress may at last be bearing fruit. In early 2021 the Ministry of Defence agreed that LGBTQ+ veterans who had been stripped of their medals could have them returned. Last November LGBT+ veterans were officially included in National Remembrance at the Cenotaph – a first. And this January an independent review into the past treatment of LGBTQ+ personnel was announced.
These moves are welcome, but much remains to be done. Many who were treated harshly under the ban will, understandably, have turned their back on the Armed Forces community, and are therefore missing out on support they are due. Last year Age Scotland and Fighting With Pride jointly published a guide to help older LGBTQ+ to access that support. And this year Fighting With Pride plans a substantial boost to the outreach support it can offer LGBTQ+ veterans in Scotland.
