October 22, 2026 - 220 views
Denbighshire residents are being urged to help identify former Armed Forces personnel who may still be entitled to compensation for the historic ban on LGBTQ+ people serving openly in the military.
Denbighshire County Council is supporting Fighting With Pride’s Battle For Lost Veterans 2026 campaign, which aims to reach veterans who were dismissed, discharged or forced to conceal their identity under the ban, which remained in place until 2000.
Eligible veterans may be entitled to financial reparations of up to £70,000, alongside other measures intended to recognise the harm caused by the policy.
However, Fighting With Pride estimates that around 1,000 eligible veterans have yet to come forward, either because they are unaware of the scheme or have not submitted an application. The deadline for applications is 12 December 2026.
The council is asking residents, veterans’ organisations and community groups across Denbighshire to share information about the campaign and help ensure those affected know what support is available.
Councillor Julie Matthews, deputy leader of the council and Denbighshire’s Armed Forces Champion, said veterans who had been treated unfairly because of their sexual orientation or gender identity should have the opportunity to receive recognition and support.
She said community organisations and residents could play an important role in spreading awareness before the application deadline.
Reaching those affected can be challenging. Some former service personnel may no longer identify as LGBTQ+, may not regard themselves as part of the veterans’ community, or may find it difficult to revisit experiences from their military careers.
The campaign aims to reach those who might otherwise miss out on the opportunity to seek redress for the treatment they experienced.
Further information about the reparations scheme is available through Fighting With Pride.
Veterans can find details of how to apply through the UK Government’s LGBT veterans reparations scheme.
