TO MARK 20 YEARS SINCE THE BAN ON LGBTQI PEOPLE SERVING OPENLY IN THE MILITARY WAS LIFTED, WE TALK TO WOMEN OUT IN THE FORCES

WORDS SOPHIE GRIFFITHS

48 Fighting With Pride

We hear from LBT women who have served in the British Armed Forces

50 House Of Pride

The brains behind exciting new plans for a queer community hub

52 LBT health

The latest stats about queer women’s sexual health

Just 20 years ago, serving in the British armed forces as an out LGBTQI person was unimaginable. Our community was subjected to awful treatment as the military’s policy prevented LGBTQI people from serving. Even the slightest suspicion of homosexuality led to investigations and often, ultimately, dismissal from careers spanning decades.

On 12 January 2000, the ban was lifted and LGBTQI individuals began to step out of the shadows, increasing the numbers visible as positive role models for change.

The fight for pride in the armed forces has been slow, but over the past two decades, the progress in awareness, support and inclusion for the LGBTQI community has been phenomenal. The armed forces are evolving, even becoming one of Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers, actively and openly proud of their LGBTQI members of staff.