Booted Out by the Gay Ban

Until the year 2000, it was illegal to be gay in the British military. Many LGBT+ people in the forces faced intrusive interrogations, physical examinations and in some cases imprisonment.

As the first UK memorial dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender military personnel is unveiled, we hear from three survivors of the military Gay Ban.

James tells us how he was thrown in a detention centre amongst violent and sexual offenders - while they were allowed the freedom to move around the centre, James was locked in his cell.

When word got round that Padraigin was a lesbian, the intense cruelty came from colleagues too. “Some of the guys were betting on who could sort me out.” This “sweepstake” she tells us, led to a sexual assault.

The Gay Ban also viciously pursued those who questioned their gender identity. Claire, who was placed in a psychiatric hospital, recalls a Medical Officer giving her stitches without anaesthetic - "this'll make a man of you” she was told.

For details of organisations that offer advice and support relating to sexuality or gender, or sexual abuse, go online to bbc.co.uk/actionline