OUT IN FORCE
AHEAD OF ARMED FORCES DAY, ANN MILLER-MCCAFFREY SPEAKS TO SOME OF THE LGBT+ WOMEN SERVING IN THE NAVY, ARMY AND AIR FORCE
As I reflect on my own career, which spans three decades, I am impressed and very proud of the social change seen within the Armed Forces. The culture has shifted from one of fear of the unknown and unfamiliar, to an inclusive and open-minded one which provides support and opportunity for its employees.
We’ve come a long way and today cater for the needs of people with diverse backgrounds. There are times when this proves challenging, but role-modelling strong and inclusive leadership ensures that both operational effectiveness and individual’s needs can be balanced and maintained.
One of the most notable changes was the lifting of the ban of LGB people serving in the Armed Forces, which took place in January 2000. This was brought about by a small group of activists, named the Rank Outsiders, who were dismissed from service because of their sexuality. Before then, many people had to leave a career they loved because of who they were attracted to. Imagine losing not only your job, but your career, pension, house, friends, colleagues and sometimes even family.