"King Charles has unveiled the first memorial to the LGBTQ+ men and women who served in the UK's armed forces. "An Opened Letter" was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, on Monday (27 October). Charles, who has never publicly commented on LGBTQ+ rights, laid a bouquet of flowers next to the memorial during the dedication ceremony. Up until 2000, LGBTQ+ people were not allowed to serve in the army, air force or navy."
"Many veterans were court-martialled or forced to leave without an income or pension. Under the policy, anyone even just thought to be gay or transgender could be subjected to sometimes-brutal interrogation and dismissal. The free-standing sculpture, made from forged bronze features words taken from evidence from some of those affected by the ban. LGBTQ+ veterans charity Fighting With Pride, which last year campaigned to get justice for members of the armed forces affected by the ban, was awarded a government grant of £350,000 ($466,000)"
"The memorial is one of 49 recommendations made by The Etherton Review, an independent report commissioned by the government to look into the treatment of queer veterans who served while the ban was in force. Veterans who suffered discrimination can apply for financial redress of up to £70,000 (approximately $93,000). According to the BBC, Fighting With Pride chief executive Peter Gibson said he hoped the memorial would encourage those who haven't yet come forward to apply, to now do so."
A memorial titled "An Opened Letter" was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum to honor LGBTQ+ men and women who served in the UK armed forces. The sculpture uses words drawn from testimonies of those affected by the military ban in place until 2000. Many veterans faced court-martials, loss of income and pensions, and harsh interrogations. Fighting With Pride received a government grant of £350,000 to create the memorial. The memorial follows recommendations from the Etherton Review and coincides with a scheme allowing affected veterans to apply for financial redress up to £70,000.
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