LGBTQ+ veterans say Armed Forces ‘gay ban’ caused ‘vicious damage’
Dark Souls has always been queerMeet the rural drag queen ‘breaking down barriers’ facing LGBTQ+ people in the countrysideOne in 10 UK parents 'would never speak to their child about what LGBT means'The review was launched in January and, following the appointment of its chair, it will now begin its year-long investigation.
Lord Etherton made history himself when he became the first openly gay judge of the Senior Courts.Tremaine added: ‘I hope this review can repair the hurt and compensate the loss and that its recommendations are honoured in full.’Sharon Hudson, a Women’s Royal Army Corps veteran, also experienced first hand as a result of the crackdown on LGBTQ+ people within the Armed Forces.She had revealed her sexuality after severe bullying from male soldiers and military investigators.She had gained the title of Lance Corporal by the time she was ordered to leave.‘Being dismissed for my sexuality severely affected my mental health,’ Sharon said.‘I lied to my family for 40 years because of the shame I felt. ‘I hope this review rights the wrongs for all those affected by the ban and we can feel proud to have served.’Elaine Chambers, a Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps veterans, has similar optimism.She had been working in Germany when she was suddenly questioned about her sexuality.Officers from the military’s Special Investigation Branch ‘investigated’ for five months before ordering Elaine to leave.She said: ‘This review, if truly independent and conducted in a timely fashion, has opened a door I had thought was firmly shut. ‘And it restores a cautious sense of optimism that at long last, some sort of meaningful restorative justice may be served.’At the time of the gay ban, many Armed Forces charities.
