The National LGBT Armed Forces Community Memorial is the delivery of 3 of the recommendations from the Lord Etherton report of 2023 into the treatment of LGBT veterans under the Armed Forces Gay Ban.
A major feature of this memorial is that the design will come from consultation with all members of that LGBT Armed Forces Community; veterans, regular serving, reservists, cadet forces and family & friends.
We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a memorial which brings us out from the margins and pushes the service and sacrifice of LGBT Armed Forces personnel to the fore, in a progressive and creative fashion. Something to stand out from the ordinary, to blend the vibrant diversity and flamboyance of the LGBT community and the traditions of military service. No longer hiding in the shadows, but visible. Pride in our service, Pride in our community, Pride in ourselves.
To give additional opportunities for your engagement, Roly Woods, Memorial Officer and Kevin Bazeley, Deputy Memorial Officer have added 2 additional virtual only workshops for you to hear more about the plan, the timeline, guidance and restrictions about what can and can’t be considered for a memorial, discussion around some examples but very importantly, an interactive collaboration & discussion about the kind of features you want to see in a Memorial.
The workshops provide an excellent sounding board to get you thinking about the memorial ahead of submitting your responses to the consultative survey. You do not have to have attended a workshop to complete the survey, but it gives you a better understanding of considerations to think of when making suggestions.
Register for the 1 October 18:30-20:00 Workshop HERE.
Register for the 7 October 18:30-20:00 Workshop HERE.
If you have any questions, please email kevin.bazeley@fightingwithpride.org.uk
