The RBL is proud to be a welcoming and inclusive organisation, bringing people from different nations and communities together to best serve our Armed Forces.
As the largest Armed Forces charity in the UK, we are committed to ensuring all military personnel receive the services, support and recognition they deserve.
As part of this we have signed up to the Pride in Veterans Standard, pledging the highest standards for LGBTQ+ veteran inclusion, as well as helping to drive recommendations made by Lord Etherton in the Government’s LGBT Veterans Independent Review in 2023.
LGBT military ban
Up until 2000, it was illegal to be gay in the British Armed Forces. Personnel who stepped up to serve their country experienced a culture of homophobia, including bullying, blackmail, conversion therapy, intrusive medical examinations and sexual assault.
In 2022, the Government commissioned an independent review to better understand the impacts of the LGBT military ban.
The Independent Review was published on 19 July 2023, and the Government published its formal response on 13 December 2023.
The 2023 review made 49 recommendations, including financial and non-financial restorative measures.
Financial restorative measures initially included a £50 million cap on compensation payments. RBL were vocal that this amount was unworkable, as it was set without understanding how many were affected and could limit the number of veterans achieving fair recompense.
Latest update as of 12th December 2024:
“The Royal British Legion (RBL) is pleased that the Government has listened to the veterans affected by the Ban and significantly increased the funds for the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme from £50mn to £75mn to provide financial redress for this historic hurt. We would urge anyone needing support to please contact the RBL. The RBL will be providing specialist support to veterans applying to the LGBT Financial Recognition scheme.”
Anyone affected by the ban can find out more about applying for restorative or non-restorative measures.
Celebrating Pride
The RBL attends Pride events to demonstrate our commitment to equality and fairness, and encourages staff, members, beneficiaries and volunteers to take part.
Pride events are about acceptance, equality and celebrating the achievements of the LGBTIQA+ community. Pride is also about raising awareness of issues affecting the community and campaigning further for the rights of LGBTIQA+ people.
Crucially they provide a safe space for members of the LGBTIQA+ community to be themselves at a time when homophobia and transphobia are still rife in society.
Read our information on how to find LGBTQAI+ networks in the Armed Forces.
To find out more about the support the RBL could offer you, contact us via
Telephone: 0808 802 8080
Telephone overseas: +44 (0)20 3376 8080
Calls are free from UK landlines and main mobile networksEmail: [email protected]
