The government has paid out over £31 million to almost 1,000 LGBTQ veterans as part of the increased compensation efforts for those impacted by the historical ban on gay individuals serving in the armed forces.
To expedite applications to the Financial Recognition Scheme, the Ministry of Defence has bolstered its payments team and implemented an automated processing system.
The ban on LGBTQ individuals serving in the Army, Royal Navy, and RAF persisted until 2000, leading to the dismissal of many personnel who were subjected to harassment, bullying, forced outing, and even imprisonment due to their sexual orientation.
Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, expressed the government’s commitment to addressing the past mistreatment of LGBTQ personnel and emphasized the swift support provided through the Financial Recognition Scheme.
The scheme acknowledges the injustices faced by LGBTQ personnel between 1967 and 2000, with a deadline set for December 2026, encouraging more LGBTQ veterans to come forward for assistance. Priority is granted to elderly applicants, individuals with severe health issues, and those experiencing significant financial challenges.
Fighting With Pride, supported by the Mirror, has advocated for the recognition, support, and compensation of LGBTQ veterans. Claire Ashton, a transgender veteran who faced bullying while serving in the Royal Artillery, welcomed the payments as a pivotal moment, highlighting the importance of the government and Ministry of Defence acknowledging their past wrongdoings.
King Charles recently paid tribute to LGBTQ+ armed forces veterans at a new memorial, underscoring the significance of honoring those affected by the ban. The LGBTQ+ Armed Forces charity, Fighting With Pride, commended the progress but stressed the need for improved decision speed and inclusion of veterans dismissed before 1967 in reparations.
CEO Peter Gibson urged the government to enhance publicity efforts to ensure all eligible veterans benefit from the scheme, emphasizing the need for increased resources in this regard.