True stories of LGBT veterans persecuted in the armed forces

0 views
0%

True stories of LGBT veterans persecuted in the armed forces

Warning: This report contains language that some viewers may find upsetting.

They fought for their country and now say they’re being forced to fight their government.

Gay and lesbian veterans say they’ve been unfairly excluded from a compensation scheme set up to address decades of discrimination under the military’s ban on LGBT personnel, which ended in 2000.

Under the Ministry of Defence scheme, those formally discharged can receive up to fifty thousand pounds.

But many say they were pressured into resigning to avoid court martial and are now receiving far smaller sums.

With a deadline for claims approaching, critics warn the system risks creating a two-tier system, leaving some veterans feeling they’re being punished twice.
———
• Subscribe to ITV News on YouTube: http://bit.ly/2lOHmNj
• Get breaking news and more stories at http://www.itv.com/news

Follow ITV News on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@itvnews?lang=en
Follow ITV News on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itvnews/
Follow ITV News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itvnews/
Follow ITV News on X: https://twitter.com/itvnews

Date: June 4, 2026