King unveils new memorial to LGBT veterans after gay ban campaignhttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr7m8kzgy77o 🔗BBC - Josh Parry
October 27, 2025
King Charles III has unveiled a memorial to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender military personnel after a decades-long campaign against a ban on being gay in the armed forces.
In his first official engagement in support of the LGBT+ community, the King visited the sculpture, named "an opened letter", at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The memorial is dedicated to those from the LGBT+ community now serving in the forces, as well as those who served at a time when it was illegal to be gay in the military.
During the ban, which lasted until the year 2000, those who were gay - or were perceived to be - faced intrusive investigations, dismissal and in some cases imprisonment.
Affected veterans, many of whom attended the ceremony on Monday, said the monument signified "closure" after years of campaigning first to change the law, and then to push the government to make reparations.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the memorial "stands as a lasting tribute to the bravery and service of these veterans".---------------------------------
