King Charles attends first official LGBT+ event and a lot of people have missed the point

Warning: This article contains discussion of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, which some readers may find distressing.

King Charles III marked a historic moment yesterday (27 October) as he attended the UK’s first national memorial commemorating LGBT+ armed forces.

He was joined by dozens of serving and former members of the armed forces at the dedication of the memorial, titled An Opened Letter, at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The King met with veterans who spoke of the trauma inflicted by the military’s former 'gay ban'.

For those who aren't familiar, thousands of people were investigated, discharged or forced to leave their careers because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, and faced lifelong consequences, including being vilified by family and friends, and losing access to their military pensions.

Many army members tragically had their military careers cut short before the ban, which began in 1967, was eventually lifted in 2000 following a legal battle.

The ceremony marks 25 years since it was lifted.

King Charles attended a national memorial commemorating LGBT armed forces yesterday (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

In December 2023, it was announced that veterans who suffered mistreatment under the ban will receive up to £70,000 each as part of the redress scheme. And veterans who were dismissed or discharged because of their sexual orientation or gender identity are to receive £50,000.

The King also laid flowers at the memorial along with other VIP guests at yesterday's event.

However, pictures and details of the event are emerging, and some people have well and truly missed the point, questioning why there's a separate LGBT+ event.

The reason, of course, is that they had to hide their sexuality, face this horrific ban and the trauma that came along with it.

Not quite getting it, one Instagram user wrote: "Is their bravery different to straight people then? Why do they get special recognition not for gallantry, but for who they love? This is needlessly divisive."

While a second wrote: "Shameful that somehow sexuality makes them more of a hero than any other service person who has died."

And a third added: "Why is there a separate ceremony, seriously talk about division."

The British monarch laid flowers at the dedication ceremony (WPA Pool/Getty Images)

As we say, completely missing the point that this service was to commemorate the lifting of the ban, which only affected LGBT veterans.

Speaking at the emotional memorial, Brigadier Clare Phillips told the 300 guests: “I am a gay woman who has served in the British Army for 30 years. For hundreds of LGBT veterans, their experiences have been catastrophic – their lives and careers shattered."

She continued: “For the serving community, today’s unveiling of this incredible memorial is about remembering that we stand on the shoulders of giants - those people who fought discrimination and persecution so we can now serve openly and proudly.

“It is about being able to say to our veterans, you belong and you always did.”

The brigadier said: “My career has taken me from a life of secrecy, fear and darkness to a career of pride, openness and joy.

“Instead of hiding myself away, looking over my shoulder and living in the shadows, I feel celebrated and supported for my whole authentic self, with my contribution valued, my family welcomed and my presence celebrated."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]