The shortlist for this year’s LGBTQ+ Defence Awards, a leading celebration of inclusion in the defence, aerospace and security industry, has been revealed with finalists from all branches of the Armed Forces, the civil service and businesses.
One of those shortlisted in the Veteran of the Year is Dougie Morgan, now LGBT+ Operation’s Manager/ Veterans Community Worker for Scotland and Northern Ireland at LGBTQ veterans’ charity, Fighting With Pride.
Dougie, who was in the British Army for over 38 years from 1979 – 2016, was the deputy chair for the British Army LGBT Forum for over two years, and he was the lead for all LGBTQ+ matters in Scotland.
In 2015 Dougie received a Proud of Scotland ‘Uniformed Icon of the Year’ award for services to the LGBTQ+ community and in 2020 received the Proud of Scotland Outstanding Contribution to LGBTQI+ Life. In 2023 Dougie was awarded the Scottish Veterans award of Inspiration of the Year and Overall, Champion of the year for his continued support to LGBTQ+ Veterans in Scotland.
Launched last year to “accelerate LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the UK’s Armed Forces and wider defence, aerospace and security industry”, the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards was formed in the wake of the Prime Minister’s formal state apology to the LGBTQ+ community for the so-called “gay ban” in the Armed Forces which endured until 2000.
Ed Hall, Chair, and Caroline Paige MBE, Chief Executive of Fighting With Pride, official charity partner of the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards, said: “Last year’s inaugural LGBTQ+ Defence Awards were an incredible success in showing and celebrating the exceptional talent and achievements of individuals, teams and organisations in the defence industry.
“We’re delighted that this year’s is building on that with even wider recognition, including for Armed Forces personnel and veterans working outside the defence sector.
“Our sincere congratulations and thanks go to our shortlisted finalists and to all those who were nominated, and the marvellous nominators who help us recognise people and organisations that are inspiring diversity, inclusion and equity in defence.”
This year’s winners will be announced on 23 October in the Westminster Ballroom of the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square.
More info on the awards and full shortlist HERE
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