LGBT veterans affected by the historical gay ban in the armed forces are being urged to apply for financial redress before the December 12 deadline, as new data reveals the regions where an estimated 1,000 eligible ex-servicemen and women have yet to come forward.
Data from the charity Fighting With Pride shows unexpectedly low numbers of claimants from the North East of England, Yorkshire, South West England and Scotland. The charity also believes fewer women veterans have come forward than expected.
Scheme details and the ban's impact
The Government's financial redress scheme awards £50,000 discharge payments and up to £20,000 in additional impact payments. The ban, in place between 1967 and 2000, subjected men and women in the army, navy, and air force to brutal interrogation and bullying, often forcing them out of service with long-term impacts on their lives and careers.
Fighting With Pride launched its “Battle for Lost Veterans” campaign in June to encourage those yet to apply. The charity believes approximately 1,000 eligible people have not yet made a claim.
Campaign progress and regional figures
Since the campaign launched two months ago, 65 veterans have made themselves known, but only 19 are from areas with known high populations of military veterans. Of these, eight are from the South West of England, six from Scotland, four from the North East, and one from Yorkshire and the Humber. In contrast, the North West and South East of England each saw 11 veterans come forward.
Peter Gibson, chief executive of Fighting With Pride, said: “At Fighting With Pride, we’re determined to find every last veteran who’s owed justice. Nobody should be left behind.
“As the only LGBTQ+-specific armed forces charity, we will help anyone impacted by the ban to apply for what is rightfully yours, before it’s too late.
“If you know anyone who served and suffered under this outrageous historic policy, please help us find everyone. We can be contacted via our Fighting With Pride website. We’re determined to restore pride and dignity in service.”
Women veterans encouraged to apply
The charity has also called on more women veterans to apply. Some 61% of women who took part in a judge-led inquiry into the ban reported mistreatment, yet less than half of those who have come forward so far are women.
Dawn Loynes, a Royal Navy veteran unlawfully dismissed in 1994, encouraged other women to come forward. She said: “The mistreatment I experienced as a young female sailor had a profound and lasting impact on my life. While nothing can undo what happened, reconnecting with my military family, receiving my beret, and having my experiences recognised have all been important steps in my healing.
“I know that for many people affected by the ban, coming forward can feel daunting. Revisiting painful memories and reliving experiences that many have spent years trying to move beyond can be difficult and deeply emotional. Everyone’s journey is different, but it is important to know that you do not have to face that journey alone, and support is available throughout the process.”
She added: “If sharing my story gives even one person the confidence to take that first step, then speaking publicly will have been worthwhile.
“Your experiences matter, your service matters, and what happened to you deserves to be recognised.
“Please do not leave it too late. If you think you may be eligible, I encourage you to explore your options and seek advice soonest.”
Almost £20 million of the £75 million set aside for the redress scheme is yet to be distributed.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “We deeply regret the treatment of LGBT serving personnel between 1967 and 2000, which was wholly unacceptable. We are committed to righting these wrongs, including through our Financial Recognition Scheme.
“We are working hard to ensure veterans know about the scheme and encourage all those eligible to come forward before the deadline in December. We have allocated £90,000 to charities, and we are working with local councils, the NHS and veterans organisations to promote and support applications.”
