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Former Royal Navy Commander Roly Woods has shared his experiences of hiding his sexuality during the military's ban on homosexuality, as a memorial is unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum to honour him and other LGBT+ service members. The sculpture, named An Opened Letter, represents the struggles faced by veterans like Woods, who served for 46 years while concealing his identity until the ban was lifted in January 2000.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

A memorial dedicated to the sacrifices of LGBT+ veterans is being unveiled by King Charles III at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The bronze sculpture, created by the charity Fighting With Pride, serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by service members like Roly Woods, who had to navigate a hostile environment while serving in the Royal Navy. This event signifies a growing recognition of the contributions and sacrifices made by LGBT+ individuals in the armed forces.

Key takeaways

Roly Woods concealed his sexuality for over two decades due to the military's ban on homosexuality.
The ban was lifted in January 2000, but many veterans still face the consequences of those years.
The memorial sculpture, An Opened Letter, represents the hardships faced by LGBT+ service members.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of significant events regarding LGBT+ rights in the UK military includes:

1978: Roly Woods joins the Royal Navy and begins a 46-year career while hiding his sexuality.
January 2000: The UK military officially lifts the ban on homosexuality.
2003: Woods comes out to his senior captain, marking a turning point in his personal journey.
2006: Woods leads the military contingent at London Pride, a significant public display of acceptance.
2020: The charity Fighting With Pride is established to support LGBT+ veterans.
27 October 2023: The memorial sculpture is unveiled by King Charles III.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The unveiling of the memorial sculpture An Opened Letter marks a significant moment in acknowledging the sacrifices of LGBT+ veterans. This event highlights the ongoing efforts of the charity Fighting With Pride to amplify the voices of those affected by the military's past policies.

What was already established

It has been previously known that many LGBT+ service members faced severe repercussions for their sexuality, including interrogations and dismissals. The lifting of the ban in 2000 marked a pivotal shift, but the emotional and psychological effects of years of discrimination continue to resonate within the community.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The recognition of LGBT+ veterans may encourage broader societal acceptance and support for the community. This can influence public perceptions and policies aimed at improving the lives of LGBT+ individuals, not just in the military but across various sectors.

Businesses and jobs

As awareness grows, businesses may increasingly recognise the importance of inclusivity and support for LGBT+ employees. This could lead to improved workplace policies and practices that foster a more inclusive environment for all staff.

Policy and regulation

The unveiling of this memorial may prompt discussions about further legislative measures to protect and support LGBT+ individuals in the military and beyond. It is crucial for the UK government and military to continue addressing the historical injustices faced by these veterans.

Numbers that matter

46 years: The length of Roly Woods' service in the Royal Navy.
January 2000: The year the ban on homosexuality was lifted in the UK military.
2003: The year Woods came out to his senior captain.
2020: The year Fighting With Pride was established to support LGBT+ veterans.

Definitions and jargon buster

LGBT+: An acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, representing a diverse community.
Fighting With Pride: A charity founded by LGBT+ veterans to support those affected by the military's ban on homosexuality.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, it is essential for LGBT+ veterans to engage with organisations like Fighting With Pride to access available support and resources, particularly regarding the Financial Recognition Scheme.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, continued advocacy for the rights of LGBT+ service members will likely shape discussions within government and military circles. Increased visibility can lead to more comprehensive policies that protect and support the LGBT+ community.

Signals to watch

Monitor the outcomes of government consultations regarding policies affecting LGBT+ individuals in the military.
Look for announcements from Fighting With Pride regarding new initiatives or support programmes for veterans.
Track public discussions and media coverage surrounding LGBT+ rights and recognition within the military.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with LGBT+ support organisations for guidance and resources.
Stay informed about changes in policies affecting LGBT+ individuals in the military.

Don’t

Do not underestimate the importance of acknowledging past injustices faced by LGBT+ veterans.
Avoid dismissing the ongoing challenges that many in the LGBT+ community still face today.

Checklist

Have you connected with local LGBT+ organisations for support?
Are you aware of the Financial Recognition Scheme and its benefits?
Have you participated in discussions about LGBTQ+ rights in your community?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the unveiling of the memorial is a positive step towards recognising the sacrifices of LGBT+ veterans, there remain uncertainties regarding the full extent of support available for affected individuals. The historical stigma associated with homosexuality in the military may still influence perceptions and treatment of LGBT+ veterans, necessitating ongoing advocacy and awareness-raising efforts.

Bottom line

The memorial unveiling at the National Memorial Arboretum serves as a significant acknowledgment of the struggles faced by LGBT+ veterans like Roly Woods. This celebration of their sacrifices highlights the need for continued support and recognition of their contributions, paving the way for a more inclusive future within the military and society at large.

FAQs

What does the memorial sculpture represent?

The memorial sculpture, An Opened Letter, represents the struggles and sacrifices of LGBT+ veterans who had to conceal their identities during the military's ban on homosexuality.

When was the ban on homosexuality in the UK military lifted?

The ban on homosexuality in the UK military was officially lifted in January 2000, allowing LGBT+ individuals to serve openly.

What is the Financial Recognition Scheme?

The Financial Recognition Scheme is a payment initiative aimed at providing compensation to those adversely affected by the military's ban on openly gay and bisexual service members.