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Marching with Pride
Lieutenant Commander Mandy McBain
Lieutenant Commander Mandy McBain, Royal Navy, has returned from London after taking part in the Gay Pride march. It was an event she found very movi
"Gay men and women in the armed services can be proud to be who they are ââ¬â and proud to be part of the Royal Navy"
The government’s lifting of the ban on gay, lesbian and bisexual people serving openly in the armed services in 2000 marked the start of a massive change. While sailors have taken part in gay pride parades for years, in 2006 decades of discrimination were swept aside as members of the Royal Navy marched openly in full uniform for the first time at the Europride parade in London. This change was a demonstration of the Royal Navy’s commitment to equality and diversity by allowing its gay and lesbian personnel to show their pride in their uniforms and the Service in which they serve with honour, distinction and commitment.
“It is great to see uniformed men and women of all ages at the march – something I would never have dreamed possible when I first joined the Royal Navy. People entering the service now will find it hard to understand the strong feelings of emotion with which people like me view Gay Pride,” Mandy says.
“It’s wonderful just to be yourself. Gay men and women in the armed services can be proud to be who they are – and proud to be part of the Royal Navy.”
Mandy entered the Royal Navy in 1986 as a Junior Rate and now is a Logistics Officer at HMS Excellent, in Portsmouth. She is accountable for the provision of catering, pay and allowances and equipment supplies.
Like many young people, Mandy was attracted to a career in the Royal Navy and the prospect of being paid while training for a fulfilling job, plus opportunities for travel and adventure.
“I effectively led a double life for fourteen years, when I joined the Royal Navy,” she says. “I couldn’t talk about being gay or my relationships.
“Now people understand that it’s unacceptable to discriminate against someone because of their sexuality. I can talk about a partner openly and can bring them along to social gatherings. My colleagues are genuinely interested and care about my personal life. The Royal Navy is all about integrity and it feels good to be honest.
“The change in regulation brought out the best in people and meant that we could concentrate on doing our jobs.”
The change in government policy
· The removal of the ban on gay, lesbian and bisexual people serving openly in the armed services was a landmark ruling.
· Recruitment drives can now focus on what is important – attracting more quality employees, regardless of their personal circumstances or background.
· Since 2000, policy has shifted rapidly towards creating an environment where gay service personnel can be open about their sexuality without fear of being harassed or bullied, as the rules, regulations and training are in place to counter such problems.
· There is an Equality and Diversity Adviser in each ship and in every establishment to deal with any issues should they arise.
· Same-sex sailors can enter into Civil Partnerships and gay couples with a registered Civil Partnership can live in family quarters.
Protecting gay rights
· The Royal Navy was the first of the British armed forces to join a scheme protecting gay rights, joining equal rights charity Stonewall's Diversity Champions Programme to promote fair treatment of lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel.
· The Royal Navy was also responsible for setting up the annual tri-service Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) conference.
· Each year this event shares updates on best practice, new initiatives and developments in diversity training, and advice on dealing with issues that affect gay service men and women.
· A community website, proud2serve.net, gives comprehensive advice and information for LGBT personnel in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, British Army, Royal Air Force, the Reserve Forces and partners of serving personnel.
· If you would like to ask a question about any of the points raised in this article, your email will be routed to the most appropriate person through the RN Diversity Office. Email either: graham.beard502@mod.uk or beki.lancaster862@mod.uk
