On this page you will find information about:
- The Royal British Legion LGBTQ+ & Allies Branch.
- The LGBTQIA+ Networks available to currently serving personnel across the services and wider MOD.
- Other organisations that can help you and provide a sense of community.
Having a supportive community to connect with helps us thrive throughout our lives. These networks help by providing community, support and camaraderie.
Whether you are looking to connect with others in your Service or in the wider Armed Forces
community, we have put together some helpful resources to get you started.
Read about why LGBTQIA+ community groups are important here on the RBL website.
The term LGBTQIA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual, but represents many more people in their experience and expression of gender and/or sexuality.
RBL Pride Poppy Badge
The LGBTQIA+ community is a vital part of our Armed Forces and the Royal British Legion. Providing visible symbols of support for the LGBTQIA+ Armed Forces community is an important show of allyship and a demonstration that the RBL is a safe and inclusive space. Therefore, we have introduced the RBL Poppy Pride Badge to show solidarity with those who have faced and continue to face discrimination or marginalisation due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, particularly those who served under the military’s pre-2000 ban on LGBTQIA+ personnel.
Purchase an RBL Pride Poppy Badge online from the Poppy Shop.
Royal British Legion LGBTQ+ and Allies Branch
The LGBTQ+ and Allies branch of the Royal British Legion provides comradeship and support whilst reflecting, recognising and remembering the contribution of the LGBTQIA+ community to the Armed Forces.
Launched in 2019, the branch works to bring
LGBTQIA+ veterans, currently serving and civilians, many of whom have previously been stigmatised within the military, together.
The Branch even runs its own Community Support initiative in the form of a buddying service, comprised of weekly
calls to vulnerable or lonely LGBTQ+ veterans and currently serving individuals.
As a national branch, any RBL member can join regardless of their location.
Learn more about the Royal British Legion LGBTQ+ and Allies Branch.
The LGBTQ+ and Allies Branch was founded 19 years after the UK Government lifted the ban on LGBTQIA+ people serving in the Armed Forces.
Get in touch
Visit the Royal British Legion LGBTQ+ and Allies Branch website or get in touch on:
Facebook: RBL LGBTQ+ and Allies Facebook page.
LGBTQIA+ Support Networks by Service
Each of the three Services within HM Armed Forces has its own LGBTQIA+ networks to support and celebrate currently serving personnel.
Army LGBT+ Forum Network
What services does the Army LGBT+ Network provide?
The Army LGBT+ Network provides:
- social get-togethers and networking events
- peer support for those in need, including their Mentoring Scheme
- careers advice and courses
- advice to the Diversity Team about the way Army policy affects LGBTQIA+ people
- encouragement and support to potential recruits, and
- a private Facebook group for currently serving soldiers, a website, and Twitter feed.
Activities of the Network include social events, meetings to discuss work issues, marching in various Prides, and interviews with the media.
Get in touch
Visit the Army LGBT Forum website or:
Facebook: British Army LGBT+ Network | Facebook
Instagram: @british_army_lgbt
Royal Navy Compass Network
Compass is the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network of the Naval Service. This Network is here for all, including the Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Maritime Reserves.
Get in touch
Get in touch with the Royal Navy Compass Network on:
Facebook: Royal Navy LGBTQ+ Network – Facebook
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @rn_lgbtq
RAF LGBTQ+ Freedom Network
The RAF LGBT+ Freedom Network work to ensure the LGBT+ community in the RAF are supported, valued, and empowered for the benefit of both the individual and the RAF as they operate together across the globe.
The RAF LGBT+ Network identify role
models within the community, support LGBT+ personnel and families, shape policies and raise awareness through education.
Get in touch
Get in touch with the RAF Freedom Network on:
Facebook: RAF LGBTQ+ Network - Facebook
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @raf_lgbtq_network
shOUT MOD Civilian LGBT+ Network
shOUT is the MoD’s LGBTQ+ Employee Staff Network that represents all Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities across the civilian workforce.
Get in touch
Get in touch with the MoD LGBTQ+ Network on:
Instagram: @modshoutlgbt
More MOD diversity support networks
The MOD have made a list of Mod Diversity Networks that support civilian and Armed Forces personnel working in the Ministry of Defence.
Explore the list of MOD Diversity Networks on GOV.UK.
Other organisations
Fighting with Pride
Fighting With Pride (FWP) works to ensure that LGBT+ Veterans, serving personnel and their families receive a warm welcome wherever they seek help.
The charity was founded in 2020 on the 20th anniversary of the lifting of LGBTQ+ Service ban,
by individuals in the Armed Forces community with ‘lived experience.’
Get in touch
Visit the Fighting With Pride website or get in touch with them by:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Fighting With Pride -Facebook
Instagram: @fightingwithpride
Op Sterling
OP Sterling is a telephone support programme for older LGBTQIA+ veterans, service personnel (including reservists and cadets), and their families. The programme is delivered by Age UK in partnership with Fighting With Pride to provide support, advice,
and casework.
The OP Sterling advice line was established to help those affected by the LGBT Ban. The lines’ advisors could provide help with accessing:
- financial support
- housing, and
- social care among many other topics.
How to access support
To access OP Sterling, you will need to complete an online application form. As part of the form, you will be able to send a message to the advisors detailing what you would like to talk about and receive support with.
After you have submitted
your online form a member of the support team will contact you to start the referral process.
