What's happened
The UK government has allocated £350,000 for the construction of the first memorial for LGBT armed forces personnel at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The charity Fighting With Pride will lead the efforts to build the memorial, aiming to commemorate the 'lost legion' of LGBT people who served in the armed forces.
Why it matters
The construction of the UK's first memorial for LGBT armed forces personnel marks a significant step towards recognizing and honoring the contributions of LGBT individuals in the military. This initiative not only acknowledges past injustices but also provides a space for reflection and remembrance. The memorial serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by LGBT service personnel and highlights the importance of inclusivity and diversity within the armed forces.
What the papers say
The Guardian emphasizes the need for the government to implement recommendations from Lord Etherton's review, including compensation for veterans affected by the pre-2000 ban on LGBT people serving in the armed forces. The BBC News focuses on the historical treatment of LGBT individuals in the military and the importance of winning compensation for those affected. The Mirror highlights the apology issued by Rishi Sunak to LGBT service personnel affected by the ban and the commitment to deliver a fitting memorial.
How we got here
The decision to build the memorial follows a government-commissioned review by Lord Etherton, which examined the experiences of LGBT veterans who served during the 1967-2000 ban on LGBT individuals in the UK armed forces. The review recommended an apology in the UK parliament to all LGBT service personnel affected by the ban, along with financial compensation. The memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum aims to honor all LGBT service personnel, including those impacted by the ban.
Common question
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LGBT is an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. In use since the 1990s, the term is an adaptation of the initialism LGB, which was used to replace the term gay in reference to the LGBT community beginning in the mid-to-late
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Terence Michael Elkan Barnet Etherton, Baron Etherton, PC, QC is a British retired judge and member of the House of Lords. He was the Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice from 2016 to 2021 and Chancellor of the High Court from 2013 to 2016.