'LGBT veterans should come forward for compensation'

An army veteran who was dismissed for being lesbian says many who were affected by the military ban on LGBT people "don't realise" they can get compensation, as a deadline looms for others to come forward.

Pte Carol Morgan, from Chobham in Surrey, was discharged from the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) in 1982 after being reported to a superior - a decision which affected her job prospects and led to her hiding her sexuality for decades.

The deadline to apply to the Ministry for Defence (MoD) for financial recognition payments is 12 December and it is thought as many as 1,000 affected veterans could still apply.

The MoD said the treatment of LGBT serving personnel was "wholly unacceptable".

It added: "We are committed to righting these wrongs through tangible actions, including through the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme and non-financial restorative measures for those affected."

Morgan, 64, said LGBT people in the army had to "watch over our shoulders".

"A lot of people are ashamed about what happened, but they don't need to be - they need to come forward," she added.

"We have to still campaign because a lot of people don't realise that they can still come forward."

Morgan, who joined the WRAC in 1978 aged 17, said she began a relationship while at the officer's training college in Camberley, at a time when LGBT people were banned from serving in the military.

She said the couple needed to write letters in code in order to protect themselves, but were eventually reported by a colleague.

Morgan said her discharge led to her being outed to her parents, who were both serving in the military, and led to her hiding her sexuality for about 30 years.

Following the ban being lifted in January 2000, Morgan's records were altered to show she was unlawfully dismissed. She has also received her cap and badge back.

LGBT veterans affected by the ban can apply for compensation under the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme. Having applied for retribution, Morgan was awarded financial payments.

An MoD spokesperson said: "We are working hard to make sure eligible veterans know these schemes are available to them, through collaborating with local councils, the NHS, and other organisations and charities."

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