Chief of the Defence Staff
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB ADC FREng
The LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum will be a necessary and lasting recognition of LGBTQ+ veterans, serving personnel and cadets and their cherished place within our Armed Forces family.
Those of us who served during the ban will remember good friends and trusted oppos who were forced to leave through no fault of their own other than the fact they happened to be gay. These men and women had made a commitment to fight for their nation; many had already served with distinction and had the potential to offer so much more over the course of a career. Instead, they often faced shameful and degrading treatment, and all those affected had to deal with the consequences for the rest of their lives.
Today’s Armed Forces is an institution which has changed and must continue to change. We are competing in society for the very best people, and strive to live by a very simple mantra: that it doesn’t matter who you are, or who you love; if you’re willing to serve your country, and you meet our standards, then there is a place for you among us, and we will nurture and support you to achieve all that you possibly can.
This change was possible due to the efforts of Fighting with Pride and all those who campaigned to overturn the ban, together with those veterans who have chosen to share their experiences. This was a painful process for many, and sadly change came too late for others. This memorial a lasting tribute to their courage and resilience. But it also reflects the generations of gay service men and women in peace and war and the respect and esteem in which they are now held by a grateful nation.
Finally, I hope this memorial will inspire future generations of LGBTQ+ personnel, reminding them of those who have gone before, symbolising the strength we draw from across society and the extraordinary commitment of all those who serve.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB ADC FREng
Chief of the Defence Staff
First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE ADC RM
The Royal Navy is proud to stand in support of the Armed Forces LGBTQ+ community, recognising the immense value that diversity brings to our service. The lifting of the ban on LGBTQ+ personnel in 2000 marked a pivotal moment in our history, and we honour the courage of those who served under challenging circumstances.
The establishment of the LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial – ‘An Opened Letter’ – is a powerful symbol of remembrance and importantly progress, to ensure the sacrifices and contributions of LGBTQ+ personnel are never forgotten. Since the ban was lifted, the Royal Navy has made significant strides in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We remain committed to building on this progress, celebrating diversity, and ensuring that all who serve feel valued and respected.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE ADC RM
First Sea Lord and Chief of there Naval Staff
Chief of the General Staff
General Sir C R V Walker KCB DSO ADC Gen
The launch of the National LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial website represents a significant moment in our remembrance of and reconciliation with our veterans, while celebrating the progress made by our Armed Forces towards becoming a truly inclusive organisation.
We must never forget the injustices endured by LGBTQ+ service personnel between 1967 and January 2000, who faced intrusive scrutiny, unjust persecution, and the profound suffering caused by losing their careers solely due to their sexuality. The lifting of the ban marked the beginning of significant cultural and institutional progress, brought about by their courage, resilience, and determined advocacy.
The past 25 years have seen our Army become increasingly diverse, inclusive, and more reflective of society. We have embraced the need to recognise the injustices endured, reflect deeply, reconnect meaningfully with our veteran community, recalibrate our messaging, and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to equality and inclusion. Yet we also acknowledge that trust, once broken, takes time, concerted effort and sincerity to rebuild; there is more to do.
In today’s challenging geostrategic environment, where national resilience and collective defence depend on public trust and shared purpose, reconnecting with society—and the whole of the society we serve—has never been more vital.
The National LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial, ‘An Opened Letter,’ is a part of this collective and ongoing act of reconciliation. The website enhances the memorial by providing valuable historical context, personal narratives, and ongoing dialogue. Together, these efforts underline our collective resolve to learn from the past and act as a beacon to future generations that we uphold the right of every individual to serve openly and authentically.
As the Chief of the General Staff, I am deeply proud to support this important step towards reconciliation, remembrance, and continued growth. I hope that this initiative will help heal past wounds, restore faith, and inspire confidence, ensuring that every individual who serves, has served, and hopes to serve, feels valued, respected, and part of a truly inclusive force.
General Sir C R V Walker KCB DSO ADC Gen
Chief of the General Staff
Chief of the Air Staff
Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth CB OBE DFC MA
Having recently taken up appointment as the Chief of the Air Staff, I have already been hugely impressed by the work I have seen underway following Lord Etherton’s LGBT Veteran’s Independent Review.
The RAF, alongside the other Services, has spent the last year enacting Lord Etherton’s Restorative Action non-financial remedy measures. We have held ceremonies all over the world; including in Washington and Gibraltar, to recognise our veterans’ service and to mark and acknowledge the way in which they were treated. A critical part of this work has been the welcoming back of our veterans in a way that we hope will help to foster healing, recognition and pride. As part of this, a particularly special event was the summer BBQ which we hosted in conjunction with Fighting with Pride which allowed us to further this work and reaffirm our commitment to welcoming LGBTQ+ veterans back into the RAF family.
It is vital that we take the time, particularly during the year that marks the 25th anniversary of the lifting of “the ban”, to reflect upon not just what happened, but also what steps have been taken to right the wrongs. The unveiling of the first memorial for LGBTQ+ Armed Forces personnel in the National Memorial Arboretum in October feels like the perfect way for us to do so. I want to commend Fighting With Pride for all of their work to make this happen; it is a public testament to the fact that the stories of those who were affected form a vital part of our shared history. They must be remembered, not only to honour their experiences, but also to guide us in building a better future. The memorial is also a reflection of our commitment now and in the future to inclusion, equality, and respect for all our people, past and present.
Having an organisation in which all individuals are welcome is critical to ensuring that the RAF can attract and retain the best people from our society. Inclusion is therefore a fundamental principle which underpins our ability to fly and fight and I am committed to us upholding these values in everything we do. We can never undo the wrongs of the past, but we must learn lessons from them as we shape a modern Defence.
Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the late Lord Etherton for his report and the powerful recommendations it delivered. Lord Etherton has been a guiding light to our people; both past and present. His legacy will endure and the impact he has made on Defence will be felt profoundly for a long time.
Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth CB OBE DFC MA
Chief of the Air Staff
