Not something you normally receive, but it was a funny sort of day.(I can never get the hang of Fridays!)
The package contained an official apology on behalf of the Royal Air Force for the unacceptable treatment I received during mytime in the Royal Air Force. (long story but this is not the place to tell it -see my earler posts which explain what happened)
This was part of Lord Etherton’s review into the ban on LGBT people serving prior to 2000.
The package contained not only the letter from the ACM, but also a replacement beret, an official armed forces veterans LGBT badge with the 'Etherton Ribbon’ and a wee note from the Prime Minister.
This was at the same time as I was reading about the negative issues that the United States LGBT service personnel are going through.
Those who know me know that I am truly proud to have served eleven years in the Royal Air Force as a nurse and part of PMRAFNS, and I will wear my badge with pride.
Per ardua ad astra
Well firstly it is much deserved, although it would have been better if you had been treated properly in the first place. It's good to see the British Government see the positive role LBGT people can bring to the military. Sadly the Americans seem now to be going the other way which must be incredibly tough for the LBGT people serving in the military in the US . I have recently read Caroline Paige's book 'True Colours' about her time and struggles during her time in the RAF, a great book and well worth a read.
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea, and many thanks for your comment. I know of Caroline and have her book, and agree it’s inspiring. There are several others who blazed the trail to where we are now - Emma Vickers undertook some work on documenting the lives of Transgender people serving in the UK military as part of the ‘Dry your eyes, Princess’ project with Stephen Kings photography. I totally agree with the issues the LGBT community is facing in the USA, so short sighted and sad.
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