This page provides details of events planned throughout 2025 to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Lifting of the Ban. Events are listed in chronological order.
Event organisers include FWP, the single services, and military and non-military organisations. Any questions about individual events should be addressed to the event organiser’s point of contact, as indicated in the event information provided.
Further details of events will be published in FWP Bulletins and on this webpage.
Please note: This list is not exhaustive and will be amended and added to as more details become available.
If you know of a 25th Anniversary event we haven’t highlighted, please let us know so we can include it here.
Events over the weekend of 10th/11th/12th January are still developing, additional details will be notified as soon as possible.
Saturday 11th Jan 2025
IWM London: In Conversation: Lifting The LGBT Ban 11am and 2pm
IWM have partnered with Fighting with Pride to share the stories of veterans affected by the ban through both a collection of filmed interviews set to launch on IWMs website, and at a free in-person public discussion event taking place at the museum on the 11th January. This event will be repeated at IWM North (Manchester) on Sunday 12th January 2025, see details for that date below.
IWM North (Manchester). Come & Sing at IWM North 9.30am-4pm
IWM is offering an opportunity to get involved with a project, hosted by Imperial War Museums and led by Sweet Track Productions.
To mark the lifting of the ban in 2000 on LGBT+ personnel in the armed forces; Imperial War Museums is hosting a one day Come and Sing Event and workshop at both IWM London and IWM North, Manchester.
The aim of this Come and Sing event is to bring people together to learn and perform music that is relevant to the theme of lifting the ban over the space of one full day. Participants are invited to one of the IWM sites, to learn and rehearse three songs in a day long workshop, before performing it for museum visitors at the end of the day.
No prior singing experience is necessary to be able to join in. The group will rehearse throughout the day, led by a professional, and then perform on gallery at the end of the workshop, supported by an established LGBT+ choir.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
The day, including the workshop and performance, will start with arrivals and refreshments between 9.30–10am, with the workshop starting at 10am, and concluding at 4pm.
Please be aware that the performance will be held in a public space in the museum for IWM visitors who may wish to photograph or film the event and share on social media, which will be outside of IWM’s control.
Under 18s will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
If you are interested, please follow this link for further details and to complete an Expression of Interest Form. Deadline for submissions is 18th December 2024. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
If you have any questions, please email the team at [email protected]
Sunday 12th January 2025
St Clement Danes Church: Service of Commemoration: 1030am-1230pm (tbc)
The RAF LGBTQ+ Network will host a Service of Commemoration to mark the 25th Anniversary of the lifting of the ban on LGBTQ+ personnel serving in HM Forces. The service will be held at the RAF Church, St. Clement Danes, London on Sunday 12 Jan 25. The service will commence at 1100 on 12 Jan 25. Finalised timings and further details will be announced in the Admin Order.
Dress for the event is as follows: No.1 Service Dress (Royal Navy) No.2 Service Dress (Army) No.1 Service Dress (RAF) Smart civilian equivalent (all other attendees).
This event is open to Whole Force Personnel (serving and veteran) regardless of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation. If you would like to attend, please fill out the form here.
Space is limited within St. Clement Danes, therefore a ballot may be utilised if the event is over subscribed. Deadline for submissions : 29 Nov 24
Additionally, volunteers are required to support this event. If you would like to support the delivery of the event, please indicate below.
If you have any queries reference this event, please contact Air-LGBTQNetwork (MULTIUSER) <[email protected]>
IWM North (Manchester). In Conversation: Lifting The LGBT Ban 11am and 2pm
IWM have partnered with Fighting with Pride to share the stories of LGBT veterans affected by the ban through both a collection of filmed interviews set to launch on IWMs website, and at free in-person public discussion events taking place in the Manchester museum on Sunday 12th January 2025. Further details will be announced soon and posted on the IWM website.
IWM London: Come & Sign at IWM London 9.30am-4pm
IWM is offering an opportunity to get involved with a one day Come and Sing Event and workshop project, hosted by Imperial War Museums and led by Sweet Track Productions, to mark the 25th Anniversary of the lifting of the ban in 2000 on LGBT+ personnel in the armed forces. Participants are invited to IWM London for this event. Please see IWM North (Manchester) Come and Sing details on 11th January above for full information.
Deadline for submissions is 18th December 2024.
Contact the IWM team at [email protected]
Saturday 1st February 2025
RAF LGBTQ+ Dinner Event
The RAF LGBTQ+ Network will be hosting their annual Dining event on Saturday 1st February 2025 at the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands (Cosford).
Ticket prices will be in the region of £60-£80pp. Final ticket prices will be announced in the very near future. This will include a four course meal in a stunning venue, arrival drink, wine and entertainment.
This event is open to RAF LGBTQ+ Whole Force personnel (including allies) and Defence Veterans. All attendees have the option to bring a guest if desired.
Formal sign-up is now open at this link: https://forms.office.com/e/a8TS7td865
Saturday 8th February 2025
HMS Eaglet – Liverpool Veterans Pride event and Museum of Liverpool – 25th Anniversary Event
Following the success of Veterans Liverpool Pride 2024, HMS Eaglet will again be hosting an evening event during Pride History month next February 2025.
The event will be extended to serving LGBT personnel and will involve an evening of entertainment, food and disco music. We plan to offer an Open Mic session and invite veterans and service personnel to share funny dits, poems, comedy anecdotes and memorable short stories.
During the afternoon, the Museum of Liverpool will host an event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the lifting of the military LGBT Ban.
Further details and registration details will follow shortly.
Thursday 20th February 2025
Royal Navy LGBTQ+ Network 25th Anniversary Dinner – HMS BELFAST LGBT+ Veterans Invitation.
On behalf of the Royal Navy LGBTQ+ Network, it is my pleasure to announce that applications are now open for a special dinner to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the lifting of the LGBT ban within the Armed Forces.
This event will be held aboard the iconic HMS BELFAST on Thursday, 20 February 2025.
This evening will be a celebration of the diversity and shared experiences that unite us as serving personnel and veterans of the Royal Navy. It is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, honour our collective history, and strengthen the bonds within our network.
Event Details:
• Date: Thursday, 20 February 2025
• Venue: HMS BELFAST, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2JH
The evening will feature a formal dinner, guest speakers, and moments to commemorate the journey of the LGBTQ+ community within the Royal Navy. This event promises to be a meaningful and memorable occasion.
Please apply here: https://forms.office.com/e/4CiMnFgGnf.
Please submit your application by 9 December 2024.
We look forward to welcoming as many of you aboard HMS BELFAST for this significant event. Your presence will help make this a truly special evening.
If you have any questions, please email the following mailbox, a member of our team will reach out to you. NAVY-LGBTQ Network MAILBOX (MULTIUSER) <[email protected]>
Yours Aye
RN LGBTQ+ Network
Responsive site designed and developed by
