25 years ago the ban on LGBT+ people serving in the British Armed Forces was removed.
When in 1967 homosexuality was legalised in British society, at the same time new legislation came into effect which forbade gay personnel from serving in the Armed Forces.
On 12 January 2000 this law was repealed after the European Court of Human Rights ruled that it violated Article 8 of the Human Rights Act: the right to a private and family life.
During the ban, anyone discovered to be gay could be subjected to arrest, interrogation, examination, imprisonment, and dismissal. To mark this important anniversary, the RAF Museum has been recording the experiences of those affected by the ban, with help from the military charity for dismissed LGBT+ veterans, Fighting with Pride , and the RAF LGBT+ Freedom Network of currently serving personnel.
Each month we will share the perspectives of a selection of people who will discuss the impact of the ban and their treatment by the RAF at the time, which had a lasting effect on their lives.
This month, in our fifth video, we are sharing a clip from Pádraigín Ní Rághillíg.
She joined the RAF in 1976 but was dismissed in 1986 when it was discovered that she was in a relationship with a woman in the Women’s Royal Naval Service.
Serving as a Telegraphist, she was on track for promotion to Corporal before the investigation into her sexuality began. Pádraigín was interrogated for several hours before being charged and eventually dismissed from the RAF.
In this film, she talks about the overwhelming feelings that she had during the course of her initial ‘interview’.
To learn more about her experience please visit rafstories.org at https://bit.ly/4mIxWjt
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