On Thursday, 26 September, the RAF held a LGBT Restorative Action Ceremony at the College Hall Officers’ Mess at RAF Cranwell, honouring RAF veterans affected by the ban on LGBTQ+ personnel serving in the UK military between 1967 and 2000.
The event was attended by 25 veterans, accompanied by their guests, who gathered to receive official recognition and an apology for the unjust treatment they endured during their service.
Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards, alongside The Rt. Hon the Lord Etherton GBE KC PC, led the ceremony, which “symbolised the RAF’s commitment to making amends for the wrongs of the past”.
The veterans were presented with their official records of service, a signed apology letter from the Chief of the Air Staff, and new berets and cap badges, “symbols of their rightful place within the RAF family”.
Each veteran was also awarded the Etherton Ribbon, which was designed by LGBTQ+ veterans, current serving LGBTQ+ personnel, and charity representatives. According to the RAF, the “ribbon serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and resilience of those who faced discrimination, and it commemorates the strength of those who fought against the unjust policy”.
“The envisaged compensation scheme will recognise all those who lost careers during the years of the ‘gay ban’ including those ‘constructively dismissed'” – Craig Jones MBE, Fighting With Pride
Lord Etherton, whose report, the LGBT Veterans Independent Review, recommended the government implement a scheme to compensate military personnel affected by the LGBTQ+ ban, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of acknowledging past mistakes and taking concrete steps to provide redress and support to those affected.
Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards said: “To me, the way they were treated lacked humanity. Somehow back then we had convinced ourselves it was okay to prevent people from joining us because of sexuality or identity. It was not okay. It was terribly wrong, and we are deeply sorry. I dearly hope that this ceremony has gone some way to moving us all forward, and I hope the amazing people we have welcomed back to the RAF Family, and rightly giving them the status that should never have been taken away, will share our pride in them.”
The ceremony was concluded by a flypast over College Hall Officers’ Mess by a Typhoon from XLI Test and Evaluation Squadron at RAF Coningsby.
Craig Jones MBE, Brighton resident and Fighting With Pride‘s Head of Campaign, said: “The Etherton Ribbon pin was a recommendation of the LGBT Veterans Independent Review and is a visible demonstration of the pride that armed forces communities now have in the service of LGBTQ+ veterans, however some veterans have chosen to accept, but not wear, the Ribbons until the Government delivers on its promised to compensate those treated with such inhumanity in the years of the ‘gay ban’. It’s time for Labour to deliver in Government, the promises it made in opposition.
“The envisaged compensation scheme will recognise all those who lost careers during the years of the ‘gay ban’ including those ‘constructively dismissed’. If you think you may be eligible, please contact us.
“We are delighted that Labour MP for Kemptown, Chris Ward will be meeting LGBTQ+ veterans from Brighton & Hove at 3pm on Friday, October 25, local veteran who wish to attend should contact craig.jones@fightingwithpride.org.uk or visit www.fightingwithpride.org.uk”