OUT IN FORCE
The Army LGBT+ Network reflect on life in the army after the LGBTQIA ban
BY ELLA GAUCI
“From having a photograph of a fake boyfriend in my room because that felt like a way to fit in to being the senior army representative at Pride in London in uniform with medals, I’ve had the privilege of seeing real change in the army.”
Brigadier Clare Phillips CBE (she/ her) joined the army in 1995, four years before the military LGBTQIA ban was lifted. Under the Army Act 1955, it was an offence to be gay and serve in the army despite the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK. During this period, being queer and being in the army seemed incompatible. In order to serve, members like Clare were forced to hide their identity to avoid being dishonourably discharged from the military.