Six more veterans dismissed under the pre-2000 ‘gay-ban’ return for an emotional ceremony
The WRAC Association, The Servicewomen’s Charity is proud to have held its latest ceremony, following on from the fourteen which took place in 2024. As part of our ‘Grand Reunion’ weekend event in Cardiff, over 300 female veterans gathered to watch and support as the WRAC Association offered a sincere apology and warmly welcomed these ladies back into the Corps.
Brig Clare Phillips CBE, Deputy Military Secretary at the Army Personnel Centre represented the Army, and spoke of being unable to serve as her authentic self for the first five years of her career before the ban was lifted. Following her moving speech, Brig Clare was joined by Brig (Retd) Fiona Gardner CBE as the six veterans came forward one by one to receive their presentation.
Lynne Armstrong, Cathy Cherry, Teresa Divers, Lynn Downey, Claire Pridgeon and Jan Tulloch left the stage to a Guard of Honour from a group of veterans who had received their own berets and cap badges back at the WRAC Association’s October presentation ceremony in Guildford. It was wonderful to see them supporting one another and they all expressed their hope that more former WRAC will come forward to receive their presentation and apology.
Recipient Claire Pridgeon said –
“Wow! What a great experience to be back with so many brave women in one place, strong and resolute indeed. The reconnection with dear old WRAC friends and the wider service family was emotional and healing. It was also a day of great celebration of how the service has shifted towards a positive culture where people feel safer to be their authentic selves. It was a day to remember, never to be forgotten.”
Teresa Divers who had travelled all the way from her home in France to receive her presentation agreed
“I cannot put into words how & what The WRAC Association Grand Reunion weekend in Cardiff meant to me. For the 1st time in a very, very long time I felt proud again.”
The WRAC Association, The Servicewomen’s Charity is incredibly proud to have now completed 20 presentations, with many more lined up for the coming year. CEO Paula Rogers has been moved by the trust placed in the Association by the recipients
“I would like to sincerely thank every WRAC veteran affected by the ban who has connected with our Association. Whether you have been a member for many years or only recently returned to the fold we are proud to count you in our number. We are grateful to those who have allowed us to share their photos and words, and hope, as they do, that this will inspire more veterans to come forward.”
If you know anyone who has been affected, please visit gov.uk/guidance/getting-support-as-a-lgbt-veteran or contact the WRAC Association HQ on 0300 400 1992 / info@wraca.org.uk
