King Charles LGBT Veterans Memorial Tribute
Long-Awaited Recognition for LGBT Military Veterans
King Charles is set to unveil a powerful new memorial dedicated to former British service members who faced discrimination due to their sexual orientation. For decades, homosexuality was strictly prohibited in the UK armed forces — a ban only lifted in 2000, despite the partial decriminalization of same-sex male relationships in England and Wales in 1967.
Confronting a Painful Military Past
This coming Monday, a commemorative sculpture will be revealed at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, with the King laying a floral tribute during the ceremony. The event follows an earlier visit to Lichfield Cathedral. The new memorial honors LGBT veterans who suffered under outdated military policies that criminalized their identity. Many were dishonorably discharged, stripped of medals and pensions, imprisoned, or subjected to inhumane treatments in military facilities.
Inspired by the Etherton Review
The memorial originates from a key recommendation within the LGBT Veterans’ Independent Review, led by the late Lord Etherton — the UK’s first openly gay senior judge. Released in 2023, the report collected over 1,100 personal testimonies from veterans whose lives and careers were deeply affected by discriminatory military laws. Among its critical proposals were the creation of a government-backed memorial, full restoration of ranks and honors, and the implementation of a compensation scheme.
Lord Etherton emphasized the importance of public recognition and healing for those impacted, stating that “the inauguration should be inclusive of all LGBT veterans who lived through that time and endured hardship,” highlighting the Ministry of Defence’s responsibility in addressing those past wrongs.
A Royal Tribute with Symbolic Purpose
Before the release of the Etherton Report, advocacy groups and affected veterans had urged the monarch to offer a formal apology in his role as head of the military. In response, Buckingham Palace stated, “His Majesty continues to express his support and gratitude to all members of the armed forces as part of his new duties as Commander-in-Chief.”
An Artistic Memorial Full of Symbolism
Titled “An Opened Letter”, the sculpture is a moving tribute created by the design collective Abraxas Academy and commissioned by the charity Fighting With Pride. The bronze artwork features an open letter placed atop a York stone plinth, engraved with excerpts from heartfelt testimonies of LGBT veterans and input from current service personnel who contributed to the project.
The project’s formal launch was held in July. Coordinators Roly Woods and Kevin Bazeley, who have led the development of the memorial, shared their reflections on the artwork’s significance:
“The memorial is both bold and deeply moving — a creation filled with quiet strength and profound symbolism. Every word etched into the sculpture carries immense emotional value for the community today and for future generations.”
They emphasized the importance of this tribute as a milestone moment in acknowledging the dedication and sacrifices of LGBT individuals in the armed forces — a recognition that has been long overdue.