- LGBT veterans can apply for restorative measures, including financial recognition payments of up to £70,000
- Non-financial recognition available includes official letter of apology, replacement service items and a restoration ceremony
- Nearly £60m has been paid to over 1,800 veterans so far, but more may be eligible
Veterans discharged or impacted by the ban on LGBT personnel in the armed forces have 100 days left to apply for the government’s restorative measures.
The measures were introduced following an independent review on the impact of the ban on LGBT personnel serving in the UK Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000.
The government is now issuing a final call at GOV.UK/affected-by-the-ban to eligible veterans before the application deadline closes on 12 December.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“No one should face persecution or have to hide who they are. The ban caused lasting harm to many brave personnel who served our country.
“I hope all eligible veterans come forward before the application deadline closes in 100 days, and urge everybody across our armed forces and LGBT+ communities to spread the word.”
Eligible veterans dismissed or discharged because of the ban can receive a financial recognition payment of £50,000. Veterans may also be eligible for an Impact Payment of up to £20,000 if they experienced other harms such as investigations, harassment or disciplinary action.
Minister for Equalities, Simon Lightwood MP, said:
“LGBT+ veterans being removed from or banned from joining the armed forces is a shameful chapter in our country’s history.
“This government wants to ensure what they went through is properly recognised; it must never happen again. Veterans affected have just 100 days left to apply for recognition. It is up to all of us to spread the word and make sure they get the justice they deserve.”
Non-financial restorative measures include the opportunity to receive an official letter of apology, replacement service items and a restoration ceremony.
Jean served in the British Army with the Women’s Royal Army Corps as a physical training instructor.
Her military career was cut short after she was investigated under the Armed Forces LGBT Ban. The experience had a lasting impact on her confidence, identity and sense of self-worth, and affected her life long after she left the Army.
Jean has since applied for restorative measures and says the process, while difficult at times, helped her begin to speak about what happened and recognise that the shame was never hers to carry.
Jean said:
“When your country turns its back on you, you just feel worthless.”
Jean is now encouraging others affected by the ban to come forward before the 12 December application deadline. She said:
“Please come forward. You don’t have to do this on your own, and there is support to help you through it.”
Lt Gen Sir Nick Pope, Chair of Cobseo, the Confederation of Service Charities, said:
“With just 100 days until the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme closes, it has never been more vital to find the veterans who were affected by the historic “gay ban” and provide some recognition for their historic hurt.
“Now is the time for all of us across the armed forces community to reach out to every corner of our own communities to ensure that as many veterans who endured such hurt whilst serving their country, receive the recognition to which they are fully entitled.
“The military charity sector remains on standby to support all those who require any kind of additional support throughout this process, and Cobseo is ready to provide support to all of our members in need of any assistance.”
Paul Roberts, CEO, LGBT+ Consortium, said:
“LGBT+ Consortium is proud to stand alongside our members who work to support LGBT+ veterans affected by the historic ban on LGBT+ people serving openly in the UK Armed Forces.
“Our allyship is rooted in our members and communities, and in our commitment to ensuring that LGBT+ people are recognised, respected, and supported throughout their lives. For veterans impacted by the ban, that means recognising not only the discrimination they experienced, but also the lasting impact it had on their careers, relationships, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.
“The restorative measures being provided by Defence represent an important opportunity for those affected to have their service and experiences recognised.”
