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A military charity has raised concerns that over 1,000 LGBT veterans who were discharged from the UK armed forces due to their sexuality may miss out on financial compensation. Fighting With Pride, an advocacy group campaigning for reparations linked to the historical “gay ban,” warns that the deadline for applications is rapidly approaching, yet many veterans have not come forward for support. The charity highlights worries that individuals who remain private about their sexuality or feel shame about their past experiences could forfeit up to £70,000 in compensation alongside other assistance.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has expressed deep regret for the treatment of LGBT service members and insists it is actively promoting awareness of the compensation programs. While homosexuality was legally decriminalized in the UK in 1967, restrictions affecting LGBT personnel in the military persisted until 2000. Those suspected or identified as gay frequently endured harsh interrogations, were publicly “outed” to personal contacts, and often faced dishonourable discharge from service. Karen Usher, who enlisted in the Royal Air Force in 1990 at the age of 21, recalls the severe emotional toll of concealing her sexuality, including a breakdown while deployed abroad. After confiding in a military chaplain, she was isolated and sent home, describing how she was separated from others due to her sexuality.
Karen Usher is among approximately 1,500 veterans who have applied for compensation through a scheme launched by the MoD in 2024 to address past injustices. Although she became aware of the scheme via social media, Usher believes more effort is needed to reach vulnerable and isolated veterans, especially older individuals who may have suffered imprisonment or worse due to their sexuality. She condemns the possibility that some may miss out on their rightful entitlements. A spokesperson from the MoD stated that they are working closely with local authorities, the NHS, and charities to ensure eligible veterans are informed about the support available.
Another veteran, Pam Johnson, only discovered the reparative program in August 2025 after a chance meeting with a fellow ex-servicemember. Johnson, 74, served in the Women’s Royal Army Corps starting in 1969, where she worked in signals intelligence in Germany. Her career was cut short after a love letter to another female soldier was discovered, leading to interrogation, revocation of security clearance, and reassignment to menial tasks, ultimately prompting her to resign. She applied for reparations in 2025 and is awaiting the decision, hopeful that recognition of the wrongs done to her will finally bring relief. Fighting With Pride’s chief executive, Peter Gibson, estimates there may be over a thousand veterans unaware of or hesitant to seek compensation and emphasizes the group’s commitment to confidentiality and restoring dignity.
Court martial records presented to Parliament indicate that as many as 2,800 people were discharged under the discriminatory policy. Besides financial payments, the scheme offers non-financial restorative measures such as reinstatement of rank, return of formerly revoked medals and berets, and issuing an “Etherton Ribbon” to acknowledge those who served under the ban. For Karen Usher, these recognitions have been crucial in reclaiming pride in her military service. She states, “I feel like we are finally being recognised for our service, I can finally feel proud to say I’m a veteran.
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