Arboretum to have memorial for lost LGBT service people

THE first-ever memorial for the “lost legion” of LGBT people who have served in the armed forces will be created, following the review into historical mistreatment of service personnel.

LGBT veterans charity Fighting with Pride has been awarded a £350,000 grant to create the memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The charity has spearheaded efforts to get justice for veterans affected by the pre-2000 ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.

It said the memorial will be “representative” and a “place for peace and reflection”, but urged the government to move quickly on other steps to make amends.

The ban meant thousands of members of the armed forces were removed from service, some of whom faced violence and abuse.

It was overturned in 2000, but only last year did Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologise on behalf of the government for the historical mistreatment LGBT service personnel faced.

Craig Jones MBE, chair of Fighting With Pride, said: “In the coming weeks Fighting With Pride will invite the views of the community to ensure the memorial is representative and a place for peace and reflection for today’s armed forces family.

“We are delighted and proud to have the opportunity to create this important memorial. Our work on it will start quickly.”