A new memorial for the LGBT+ armed forces community will be constructed in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire
A landmark memorial honoring the LGBT+ armed forces community is set to be constructed at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Spearheaded by LGBT military charity Fighting With Pride, the project is backed by a £350,000 grant from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the Ministry of Defence.
The winning design, titled Crumpled Letter, was crafted by Abraxas Academy, a collective of artists including Charlotte Howarth, Nina Bilbey, Sue Aperghis, James Spedding, and Kate Homes. Selected by a judging panel on January 10 aboard HMS Wellington in London, the memorial will take the form of a crumpled, free-standing bronze letter. The piece integrates words drawn from evidence provided by LGBT+ veterans, symbolizing oaths of allegiance, the mistreatment endured by LGBT personnel, and the solace found in letters from home during service.
Nina Bilbey, lead artist at Abraxas Academy, described the memorial as deeply personal to the group, some of whom have experienced the exclusion of LGBTQ+ identities in the armed forces. “This memorial is a testament to reconciliation and the healing power of acknowledging historical discrimination,” she said.
The memorial addresses three recommendations from Lord Etherton’s independent review into the experiences of LGBT+ veterans who served before 2000. To ensure inclusivity and relevance, Fighting With Pride consulted extensively with veterans, serving personnel, and their families during the design process.
Ed Hall, Chair of Fighting With Pride, emphasized the significance of the memorial as a space for reflection and healing. “This winning design represents how far we’ve come as a society. It honors the experiences of LGBT+ service members and celebrates progress,” Hall remarked.
A Mark of Progress and Commitment
The initiative follows other restorative measures for those impacted by the pre-2000 LGBT ban in the armed forces. The Financial Recognition Scheme, launched last month, provides recognition payments to eligible veterans. Additionally, steps to restore administrative discharges and ranks are underway.
Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns called the ban a “shameful chapter” in the nation’s history. “This memorial symbolizes a renewed commitment to supporting all who serve and have served. We must ensure every recommendation from Lord Etherton’s review is fully implemented,” Carns stated.
Veteran Dame Kelly Holmes, who has been an advocate for LGBT+ rights in the military, praised the project’s significance. “This memorial captures the power of words—how they can harm but also heal. It is a space for reflection, recognition, and a celebration of how far we’ve come as a community,” Holmes said.
Supporting LGBT+ Veterans
As part of the government’s ongoing support for veterans, £3.7 million has been allocated for social housing initiatives, exemptions for veterans seeking housing, and the rollout of digital Armed Forces Veteran Cards. Birmingham is also set to host the Invictus Games in 2027, further highlighting the nation’s dedication to honoring those who have served.
The LGBT+ armed forces memorial is a testament to progress, unity, and the enduring strength of the community it represents. Construction is set to begin soon, providing a place of peace and reflection for generations to come.
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