LGBT Veteran Feels ‘Proud’ to be Official Part of Commemorations for First Time
In a significant move, LGBT veterans who were previously sacked from the military for their sexuality have been officially welcomed to take part in VE Day commemorations. According to a report by the BBC, Vito Ward, an 81-year-old veteran who served in the Royal Navy for almost ten years, has been invited to participate in the celebrations.
Vito Ward’s story is a poignant one. She was sacked from the Royal Navy after her bosses discovered letters she had written to her then-girlfriend, who was also being investigated for her sexuality. The incident occurred during a time when it was illegal to be gay in the British military. The ban, which was in place until the year 2000, saw many LGBT individuals interrogated, thrown out of the military, and in some cases, imprisoned.
Speaking to the BBC, Vito Ward expressed her pride and honour at being an official part of the commemorations. "I’ve had my veterans status reinstated and that gives me such a sense of pride," she said. "I’ve been welcomed back into the military family, and to take part in something like VE Day makes it really extra special." Vito Ward was among several LGBT veterans who were invited to take part in the commemorations and also attended a special memorial concert on Horse Guards Parade.
The significance of Vito Ward’s participation in the VE Day commemorations cannot be overstated. As the BBC reports, it marks a major milestone in the journey towards recognition and redress for LGBT veterans who were impacted by the ban. In 2023, those affected received an official apology from then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and are now being awarded financial redress for the harm caused by the ban.
The story of Vito Ward and other LGBT veterans serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by the LGBT community in the past. As the BBC notes, the ban on LGBT individuals serving in the military was in place for many years, causing immense harm and distress to those who were affected. The fact that Vito Ward and others like her are now being recognised and celebrated is a testament to the progress made towards greater inclusivity and acceptance.
According to the BBC, Vito Ward’s experience is a reflection of the changing times. The fact that she has been welcomed back into the military family and is now able to participate in commemorations like VE Day is a significant step forward. As Vito Ward herself said, "It’s an honour to be an official part of commemorations for the first time." The BBC’s report on this story highlights the importance of recognising and celebrating the contributions of LGBT veterans, and the need to continue working towards greater inclusivity and acceptance.
The UK government’s decision to offer financial redress to LGBT veterans who were impacted by the ban is a positive step towards making amends for the harm caused. As the BBC reports, the government has acknowledged the hurt and distress caused by the ban, and is working to provide support to those who were affected. The participation of Vito Ward and other LGBT veterans in VE Day commemorations is a powerful symbol of the progress made towards greater recognition and inclusivity.
This move has been welcomed by many as a step towards healing and closure for the LGBT community. The recognition of LGBT veterans’ contributions to the military is an important milestone in the journey towards greater acceptance and inclusivity. As reported by the BBC, this development has brought hope and pride to many LGBT veterans who were previously marginalised and excluded.
