In the year 2000, the ban stopping LGBT+ people from serving in the British Armed Forces was lifted. To mark LGBT+ History month, 20 years after this ban was lifted, hear from a collection of people who were affected by this policy, and from those who are now able to openly serve in the Royal Air Force.
Stories from across the globe
Close-
Coming out was a massive weight off my mind
Cpl Owain Bridge -
There's no reason to hide anymore
Cpl Mike Taylor -
It took a long time but the changes have been amazing
Cpl Mike Taylor -
The LGBT+ Freedom Network has gone from strength to strength
Sqn Ldr Catherine Lawson -
I kept a side of my life hidden away
Cpl Mike Taylor -
Coming out was a massive weight off my mind
Cpl Owain Bridge -
Trump is wrong.
Ayla Holdom -
I was proud to receive a Commendation for my work
Cpl Owain Bridge -
I didn't want to be the butt of people's jokes
Cpl Owain Bridge -
It's about showing solidarity
Owain Bridge -
You can't be what you can't see
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The military is more reflective of society
Cpl Owain Jones -
It was starting to tear me apart
Cpl Mike Taylor -
The squadron gay
Conner Thirkill -
It doesn't matter who you are
Connor Thirkill -
Some people still don't know that it's fully accepted
Connor Thirkill -
People stopped swearing. It made no sense at all.
Ayla Holdom -
I was slightly terrified of coming out
Connor Thirkill -
The RAF couldn't waste my skills and experience.
Caroline Paige -
My sexuality has no impact on my role in the RAF.
Kate Brophy -
I admitted I was gay. They could have sent me to prison.
Carl Austin-Behan -
The RAF has become a beacon of inclusivity
Sqn Ldr Catherine Lawson