Time is running out for gay veterans to claim government compensation

LGBTQIA+ veterans have just over two months left to apply for financial recognition payments under a £75 million government scheme acknowledging the impact of the Armed Forces’ historic ban on LGBT personnel.

Time is running out as the scheme closes on 12 December 2026.

LGBTQIA+ personnel who served in the UK Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000 may be eligible for the recognition scheme. Established in 2024, it can award up to £70,000 and provide further recognition to those mistreated by the Armed Forces for being queer.

Peter Gibson, the CEO of LGBT Armed Forces organisation Fighting With Pride, said: “We know there are more veterans owed justice.

“We know many felt so shunned and hurt by their brutal treatment that they have distanced themselves from both the military and LGBTQ+ communities. We understand.

“As time marches on it’s more important than ever that every LGBTQ+ Veteran comes forward. Every one of them is a Veteran and deserves the right to describe themselves as such.”

For Jean Macdonald, a former British Army physical training instructor, the impact of the ban extended far beyond her military career.

Macdonald's career was cut short after she was investigated under the Armed Forces' LGBT ban.

She was aggressively interrogated and investigated, a familiar story for the many who faced the effects of the cruel ban.

“When your country turns its back on you, you just feel worthless,” she said.

Macdonald has since applied for the scheme and said the process has helped her begin to speak about what happened and remove the feelings of shame put on her by the Armed Forces.

She is now encouraging other veterans affected by the ban to come forward before the December deadline: “Please come forward. You don’t have to do this on your own, and there is support to help you through it.”

The scheme is split into two potential payments: £50,000 for people who were dismissed or administratively discharged because of the ban, and a separate Impact Payment of between £1,000 and £20,000 depending on the level of harm experienced by the individual.

As of 28 September, 1,780 individuals had applied for ‘financial recognition’, with Fighting With Pride estimating that many hundreds more have not yet applied.

Homosexuality in England and Wales was decriminalised under the Sexual Offences Act of 1967, yet queer Armed Forces personnel could not serve openly until 2000.

The Etherton Review, which paved the way for the financial recognition scheme, estimates that thousands were discharged or dismissed on account of their sexuality, with many others subjected to intrusive investigations, harassment and disciplinary action.

The Government has advised that all applications submitted before the closing date of 12 December will continue to be processed.