Following Armed Forces Day, LGBT veterans call for a 'very important' apology.
Caroline Paige, who became the first transgender officer to serve openly in the British Armed Forces, is backing calls for a national apologyVeterans who were sacked or forced out of the military for being gay have said they should receive an apology from the prime minister for their treatment.
She said she knew the rules at the time she joined, but was not aware she was gay at that stage of her life.Image source,The then-senior aircraft woman's first experience of "coming out" was in an interrogation room in 1991. Despite recommendations for promotion and an "exemplary record", she was discharged from the RAF with a certificate reading her "potential was marred only by her sexuality"."This happened to many, many people and it needs to be out there."Tony Sargeant, from Ossett in West Yorkshire, says he had his Army career cut short in the 1970s after he was "found guilty of gross indecency".
The joint chief executive of military charity Fighting With Pride flew F4 Phantom fighters during the Cold War. Ms Paige served 19 years as a male navigator pilot then another 16 years after transitioning, becoming the first transgender officer to serve openly in the British Armed Forces.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dawley's high street becomes 'armed forces friendly'Thirty shops have signed up to show a welcome - in one of the first such schemes in the UK. Find out what it means:
Read more »
Belarus dictator Lukashenko places armed forces on 'full combat readiness' after Wagner revolt'Belarus has the technical capabilities to deal with the threat from the West,' warned Alexander Lukashenko
Read more »
Uganda shows LGBT+ people face growing danger globally\n\t\t\tLet our global subject matter experts broaden your perspective with timely insights and opinions you\n\t\t\tcan’t find anywhere else.\n\t\t
Read more »
Singapore’s LGBT Community Turns Its Attention to Family AcceptanceA two-acre green space in downtown Singapore was awash in a sea of pink on Saturday, as massive crowds gathered for Pink Dot, Singapore's annual pride celebration. Its theme this year: 'Celebrating All Families'
Read more »
West Dunbartonshire to help LGBT pupils access support they need in schoolsOne councillor said the new guidance would help 'an awful lot of people'.
Read more »
China crackdown pushes LGBT groups into the shadowsIt comes as the largest LGBT celebration in the country has been suspended since 2021.
Read more »