Fears 1,000 LGBT veterans could miss gay ban compensation deadline
Summary
More than 1,000 LGBT veterans in the UK who were forced out of the military because of their sexuality may miss a deadline to claim financial compensation. The Ministry of Defence has set up a scheme to pay reparations but warns that some veterans still haven’t come forward to apply.Key Facts
- Over 1,000 LGBT veterans who were discharged due to their sexuality have not yet applied for compensation.
- The UK’s ban on LGBT service members lasted until 2000, despite homosexuality being decriminalized in 1967.
- Veterans affected could receive between £1,000 and £70,000 in payments depending on their situation.
- Fighting With Pride, a charity, says some veterans are too ashamed or not open about their sexuality to seek help.
- The Ministry of Defence expressed regret for past treatment and is working with charities and local groups to spread awareness.
- Karen Usher, a veteran, shared her negative experiences, including isolation and mental health struggles during her RAF service.
- Pam Johnson, another veteran, only learned about the compensation scheme in 2025 after hearing from another veteran.
- The deadline to apply is less than six months away, raising concerns many eligible veterans may miss out.
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