Why is the navy gay

The Queer and Now

Throughout a span of 310 years, individuals identified as homosexuals serving within the Royal Navy's ranks were actively pursued, subjected to persecution, and, on certain occasions, even executed by hanging. While capital punishment was discontinued following 1861, the harsh penalty of life imprisonment, nonetheless, endured as a genuine possibility. Even with the advent of partial decriminalisation for homosexual acts in 1967, this legislative shift had scant influence on changing the stance of the Armed Forces; truly substantive transformation, indeed, only materialised by the year 2000. 

The Royal Navy, it must be noted, was not unique in its historical oppression of homosexuals, nor, for that matter, of any other members of the broader LGBTQ+ community. Nevertheless, a certain perception persists among some that this institution still tends to project a fiercely dominant, overtly masculine, and archetypal 'alpha-male' image.

Nevertheless, during the preceding twenty-three years (that is to say, since the year 2000), the Royal Navy has undeniably evolved into an exemplar of both advancement and inclusivity. An unequivocal message was conveyed by the Royal Navy via an official declaration published on its website during January 2020, asserting that the Naval Service, indeed, welcomes all individuals of talent into its ranks, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This stance represents, quite frankly, a stark divergence from the 'gay panic' that had so profoundly engulfed high-ranking naval officials merely four decades earlier.

In commemoration of the twentieth anniversary, in 2020, of the rescission of the prohibition on homosexual individuals serving in the armed forces, several significant events transpired. Across the entire nation, naval bases and Royal Marines units proudly displayed rainbow flags from their principal masts; additionally, sailors participated in a reception held at the House of Commons, and the headquarters of Portsmouth's Naval Base, furthermore, was illuminated with vibrant hues.

Compass

Compass, which was previously known as the LGBT Forum (and is formally identified as the Royal Navy Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression Network), endeavours to both inform and inspire, to involve and equip, both existing and prospective LGBTQ+ personnel. This is achieved through the enhancement of their representation, fostering greater understanding, and increasing overall visibility. Facilitated by Stonewall, individuals affiliated with Compass have been afforded opportunities to engage in supplementary training initiatives. The purpose of these programs is to gain a more profound understanding of the lived experiences of others that diverge from their own, and, concurrently, to extend assistance to those who might encounter feelings of isolation or find it challenging to openly declare their identity.

Fighting With Pride 

Authored by Lt Cdr Craig Jones MBE, 'Fighting with Pride' is a notable publication. Having commenced his service within the Royal Navy in 1989, he subsequently earned the distinction of becoming the very first openly identified LGBTQ+ individual within the Armed Forces, making his identity publicly known on the precise day the prohibition was abolished. Mr. Jones spearheaded the initiative aimed at reinstating the Armed Forces Covenant for currently enlisted LGBTQ+ personnel, and, in recognition of his contributions, he was conferred the honour of Member of the Order of the British Empire in the year 2006. This literary work, issued in commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the prohibition's removal, showcases a collection of narratives from LGBTQ+ military personnel—both men and women—who have rendered service within the Armed Forces dating back to the period of the Second World War. 

Additionally, Fighting With Pride functions as a military charitable organisation, having been established on the very anniversary of the prohibition's abolition. This organisation provides crucial aid to 'LGBT+ Veterans, serving personnel and their families,' with a particular emphasis on those individuals who were specifically impacted by the ‘gay ban.' It should be noted that Craig Jones currently holds the position of Joint Chief Executive. 

The Royal Navy's dedication to egalitarian principles is a continuous endeavour, a fact highlighted by its consistent inclusion in Stonewall's Top 100 Employers list. Furthermore, the Navy actively participates in Pride parades nationwide, presenting a visible presence, and simultaneously dispatches its representatives to Pride events held across the globe. 

About the National Museum of the Royal Navy: The National Museum of the Royal Navy maintains an established LGBTQ+ employee network, which actively contributes to the positive transformation of LGBTQ+ individuals' workplace experiences. A dedicated environment is provided for LGBTQ+ staff members and their allies, facilitating mutual support, allowing them to articulate any concerns they may possess, and enabling interaction among individuals who genuinely comprehend their shared experiences. This LGBTQ+ staff network, furthermore, provides crucial input to our dedicated Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) action group. This arrangement effectively ensures that the voices of LGBTQ+ staff are both acknowledged and thoroughly considered when novel policies, operational procedures, and strategic initiatives are being formulated, thereby facilitating our organisation's progression towards enhanced inclusivity.

Glossary

LGBTQ+:                               Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer - the plus symbol ('+') is employed to encompass a broader spectrum of other identities, including, for instance, intersex, asexual, non-binary, and so forth. 

Homosexual:                        An individual who experiences exclusive romantic or sexual attraction towards others of their own sex or gender identity. In historical contexts, this particular term predominantly found application in reference to gay men rather than women.

Partial decriminalisation:     While the Sexual Offences Act of 1967 rendered consensual homosexual acts lawful, it constituted, by design, merely a limited form of decriminalisation. Although life sentences for such acts were abolished, it was mandated that they occur in complete privacy; specifically, within a residence, behind secured doors and windows, with curtains drawn, and in the absence of any other occupants. Furthermore, the age of consent was established as 21 years of age (this being in contrast to 16 years for heterosexual individuals), and any other existing anti-homosexual statutes, regrettably, continued to be enforced with heightened stringency. 

Gay panic:                              This term denotes an era during the 1960s when it was widely suspected that a significant proportion (reportedly half) of the Royal Navy's personnel had engaged in what was then termed 'homosexual sin.' This specific timeframe, it is worth noting, was associated with a male brothel situated in Bermuda, an establishment presumed to have been regularly visited by sailors. 

Ban on homosexuality:        This refers to the prohibition that prevented homosexual individuals (a category that, in this particular context, encompassed bisexual people) from enlisting in the Armed Forces. This ban remained in effect, notwithstanding the Sexual Offences Act of 1967, until the year 2000, when its abolition occurred subsequent to a landmark ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. 

 Stonewall:                             This is recognised as the United Kingdom's foremost LGBTQ+ charity, a designation it derives from the historic Stonewall Riots, which took place in New York during 1969. These riots constituted a widespread public condemnation triggered by instances of aggressive law enforcement practices. Indeed, they are widely regarded as marking the genesis of contemporary LGBTQ+ activism.