Design Selected for LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial
The design for the memorial, titled “Opened Letter,” has been unveiled 25 years after the ban on gay people serving in the armed forces was lifted. This memorial is a result of a collaborative effort led by Fighting with Pride, an LGBTQ+ veterans’ charity, and is funded by a £350,000 grant from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the Ministry of Defence.
Design and Significance of the Memorial
The “Opened Letter” design features a letter written by a service person about their hidden love, reflecting the experiences of LGBT+ individuals who served under the ban. The memorial aims to provide an appropriate environment for remembrance, build community pride, and raise broader awareness of the LGBT Armed Forces community. It is part of the recommendations from the LGBT Veterans Independent Review by Lord Etherton, which emphasized the need for a government-funded public memorial to honor LGBT people who have served and continue to serve in the military.
Broader Implications and Social Impact
The unveiling of this memorial acknowledges and values the service of LGBT+ veterans, who were previously marginalized and excluded from serving openly. The government takes a significant step by launching this initiative, renewing its commitment to those who serve and have served, and ensuring that every veteran’s service is valued and recognized.
Key Statistics and Timeline
- The memorial is expected to be unveiled in late October 2025, in time for Remembrance commemorations in November.
- The design competition received 38 proposals from a wide variety of artists.
- The project involves collaboration with multiple organizations, including the Royal British Legion, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and Stonewall.
Leadership Response
“When I joined the Royal Marines in 1999, this abhorrent ban on homosexuality in the armed forces was still in place. A quarter of a century later, we turn a page on that shameful chapter in our national story,” said Alistair Carns, Minister for Veterans and People.
Alistair Carns, Minister for Veterans and People
This statement underscores the government’s commitment to addressing past injustices and ensuring a more inclusive environment for current and future service members.
Progress and Targets
- The memorial project has completed its community engagement phase, which included live-streamed workshops and online surveys that generated around 300 responses.
- The construction phase is set to begin immediately, with a tight timeline to ensure completion by late August 2025.
- The unveiling ceremony is planned to coincide with Remembrance commemorations in November 2025.
Local and Regional Impact
The National Memorial Arboretum, located in Alrewas, Staffordshire, will host the memorial, making it a significant local landmark for remembrance and community pride. The project team conducted regional meetings and virtual townhalls to engage the community and involve them in the design process.
Immediate Implications
The unveiling of the “Opened Letter” memorial will serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and contributions of LGBT+ service members, providing a tangible symbol of recognition and inclusion.
Broader Significance
This memorial represents a crucial step in the UK’s journey towards greater diversity and inclusion within its armed forces. It acknowledges the historical injustices faced by LGBT+ veterans and sets a precedent for future recognition and support of underrepresented groups within the military community.
