Honouring Service, Restoring Pride: RNRMC Grant Supports Historic LGBT+ Veterans Event.

Event, Veterans

The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) is proud to support Fighting With Pride through a Remembrance and Comradeship Grant, made possible by funding from Greenwich Hospital. This support helped deliver a landmark event marking the 25th anniversary of the lifting of the military LGBT+ ban

The event took place on board the iconic HMS Victory, and is the first of its kind - a formal 'Dining Out' evening held in honour of Royal Navy and Royal Marines LGBTQ+ veterans who served during a period when their identity risked not only their livelihoods, but also their dignity and place in military history.

This special gathering commemorated the sacrifices made by LGBT+ personnel during the ban (1967–2000), while also creating a space to reconnect, celebrate service, and rebuild a sense of belonging and recognition within the wider Armed Forces community.

The significance of the evening reaches beyond the ceremonial. For many veterans, this would have been one of their first opportunities to be publicly acknowledged their service in a traditional military setting on one of most iconic Royal Naval ships - a powerful act of validation and respect. It also forms part of a broader mission to address historic injustices highlighted in the recent Lord Etherton Review and to champion the mental health, wellbeing, and social inclusion of LGBT+ veterans across the UK.

It was quite an emotional evening, marking a moment unlike anything the LGBT+ community has experienced before. A traditional dining-out event was something we’d never had the ability to do before. With Lieutenant Commander Oli Brown serving as Master of Ceremonies, the night was one of celebration and friendship. None of it would have been possible without the invaluable support of organisations like the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity.

Anthony Knight MBE

By supporting this event, RNRMC continues its commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and recognition for all who have served in the Naval Service. The celebration also marked an important milestone in the journey towards a truly inclusive Armed Forces, one where all veterans are remembered, respected, and honoured.