Peterborough came together on Saturday, June 24th to celebrate Armed Forces Day. The event, which was held in Cathedral Square, featured a parade, live music, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
The Armed Forces Day event was a great opportunity for the people of Peterborough to show their support for the Armed Forces. It was also a chance for people to learn more about the work of the Armed Forces and the sacrifices that they make.
Peterborough Pride March passed through the event. The singer on the stage dedicated his song to all LGBTQ people, 'You've Got a Friend in Me' Some people could be heard objecting to Pride being held on the same day.
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The Armed Forces has a large number of serving LGBTQ people.
For many years, being LGBTQ was a crime in the British Armed Forces. This meant that LGBTQ people could be imprisoned or even dismissed from the service.
The first major step towards ending the criminality of LGBTQ people in the British Forces was the Wolfenden Report, which was published in 1957. The Wolfenden Report recommended that the UK decriminalise homosexuality, and this recommendation was eventually implemented in 1967.
However, the British Armed Forces did not immediately follow suit. It was not until 1994 that the Ministry of Defence issued a policy directive stating that being gay or lesbian would no longer be a bar to entry or service in the Armed Forces.
The policy directive was a major step forward, but it did not fully end the discrimination against LGBTQ people in the British Forces. For example, LGBTQ people were still not allowed to serve openly, and they could be discharged from the service if their sexuality was revealed.
It was not until 2000 that the British Armed Forces fully lifted the ban on LGBTQ people serving openly. This was a major victory for LGBTQ rights, and it helped to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ people in the Armed Forces.
The end of the criminality of LGBTQ people in the British Forces was a long and hard-fought battle. However, it is a victory that should be celebrated. It is a sign of progress, and it shows that the British Armed Forces are becoming more inclusive and welcoming to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Timeline of Key Events
1957: The Wolfenden Report is published, recommending that the UK decriminalize homosexuality.
1967: Homosexuality is decriminalized in the UK.
1994: The Ministry of Defence issues a policy directive stating that being gay or lesbian will no longer be a bar to entry or service in the Armed Forces.
2000: The British Armed Forces fully lifts the ban on LGBTQ people serving openly.
Conclusion
The end of the criminality of LGBTQ people in the British Forces was a major victory for LGBTQ rights. It is a sign of progress, and it shows that the British Armed Forces are becoming more inclusive and welcoming to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The event was a huge success, and it was a fitting way to celebrate Armed Forces Day in Peterborough.
Armed Forces Day is a national political event in the United Kingdom that is held on the last Saturday of June each year. The day is an opportunity to celebrate the work of the British Armed Forces and to show support for those who serve.
Armed Forces Day was first held in 2009, and it has since grown into a major event. In 2022, an estimated 1.2 million people attended Armed Forces Day events across the UK.
Events on Armed Forces Day typically include parades, flypasts, military displays, and family-friendly activities. There are also a number of events that are specifically aimed at veterans and their families.
Armed Forces Day is a chance for the British people to show their appreciation for the work of the Armed Forces. It is also a day to remember those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
