On October 27, 2025, in a historic and emotional moment, King Charles III unveiled a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) veterans who served in the British Armed Forces during a time when it was illegal to be gay. The monument is dedicated to those who served under the ban, which lasted until the year 2000, and to those who continue to serve today.
What Happened
The memorial, titled “An Opened Letter,” was unveiled by King Charles III during his first official engagement in support of the LGBT+ community. Located at the National Memorial Arboretum, the monument commemorates the lives and experiences of LGBT+ veterans who were persecuted, outed, and often subjected to cruelty due to their sexuality while serving in the military.
The bronze sculpture, designed by the Abraxas Academy, symbolizes the pain and hardship faced by LGBT+ personnel, incorporating personal letters and messages that were once used to incriminate individuals during the ban. This ban, which lasted until 2000, resulted in wrongful dismissals, invasive investigations, and the eventual imprisonment of LGBT+ military personnel. The sculpture’s design—a crumpled piece of paper containing words from these letters—evokes the trauma and silencing that these individuals endured.
Who Was Affected
The ban, and the subsequent mistreatment of LGBT+ personnel, affected countless individuals who served in the British military. Pádraigín Ní Rághillíg, a veteran who joined the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF) in 1976, shared her story of being outed after a colleague witnessed her kissing another woman. Rághillíg endured humiliating interrogations and sexual assault as a result, which she says was an attempt by a male colleague to “turn her straight.” Her experience, though harrowing, is one of many documented in the Etherton Report, a comprehensive investigation into the mistreatment of LGBT+ veterans.
The unveiling of the memorial was a moment of closure for many who had long suffered in silence. Rághillíg, who attended the ceremony, described the memorial as “a symbol of everything we fought for.” It serves not only as a tribute to those who endured injustice but also as a beacon for future generations, ensuring that the history of the ban is not forgotten.
Career, Legacy, or Case Details
The LGBT+ Veterans Memorial was part of the government’s efforts to right the wrongs of the past. It was one of 49 recommendations made by The Etherton Review, which revealed shocking details of homophobia, bullying, and sexual assault faced by LGBT+ personnel in the military. In response to the review, the UK government issued pardons for criminal convictions related to the ban, as well as reparations, including financial redress for affected veterans.
The Fighting With Pride charity, which campaigned for justice and support for LGBT+ veterans, played a key role in advocating for the memorial. The organization’s chief executive, Peter Gibson, expressed hope that the memorial would encourage more veterans to come forward for reparations and offer emotional support to those impacted by the ban.
As part of the efforts to acknowledge the harm done, the UK Ministry of Defence also introduced a special LGBT+ veterans ribbon and returned military medals and berets to those affected by the ban.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The memorial has been met with overwhelming support from across the UK. Fellow veterans, activists, and members of the LGBT+ community have expressed their gratitude for the recognition of their struggles.
Angela Cartwright, who portrayed the daughter of Maureen Robinson on Lost in Space, shared her thoughts on social media: “I can only imagine she’s feeling right at home as she steps off this planet and into the stars.”
Moreover, Bill Mumy, another Lost in Space actor, expressed similar sentiments, calling Lockhart “one of a kind, talented, nurturing, adventurous, and non-compromising lady.”
Official Statements or What Happens Next
The Ministry of Defence issued a statement acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBT+ personnel during the ban. They deeply regret the suffering of these individuals and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all military personnel today feel valued and respected. The government also continued its commitment to providing reparations and support to LGBT+ veterans who have faced injustice in the past.
For many, the LGBT+ Veterans Memorial represents more than just a physical monument; it is a lasting symbol of the struggle for justice, equality, and respect in the military. As the public continues to honor those who fought for their right to serve openly, the hope is that the memorial will inspire ongoing advocacy for LGBT+ rights in the UK and around the world.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
