Welcome to Inclusion Bites Watch!

In this episode, we reflect on LGBTQ+ individuals serving in the Armed Forces with our guest speaker, Joanne Lockwood who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) at a time when the military wasn’t a welcoming and accepting environment for the LGBTQ+ community.

Today, she shares her experiences and thoughts on the ongoing fight for justice and recognition of past wrongs. During the episode, the Joanne highlights the dark chapter in history when being LGBTQ+ while serving in the military was not allowed and subjected to mistreatment, invasive interrogations, and punishment. Gay servicemen and women lost their jobs, pensions, medals, and reputations for an offense that had been decriminalized in 1967. The British government knew about the mistreatment and gave instructions for it to continue, and this was a violation of human rights, misuse of power, and a gross betrayal of trust. Despite the pain and suffering of the past, the speaker encourages us all to reflect and remember during Pride Month and strive for a future where everyone is free to be themselves, no matter their gender identity or sexuality.

Our past may shape us, but it does not define us. Joanne shares the story of a fellow RAF serviceman, Mike Sanson, who also joined at 16 and faced brutal punishments for his sexuality. The Joanne feels empathy and sorrow for Mike’s story, reminding us of the struggles faced by many service people during this dark period in history. Join us for this powerful and informative episode with our Joanne Lockwood as we continue to stand up and speak out against injustice and work towards a world of acceptance and equality for all. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more insightful content on inclusion and diversity.

Read Mike Sanson’s shocking story here: https://inews.co.uk/news/raf-sacked-being-gay-electric-shock-cure-anal-examination-2380297

Bookmarks…

00:00 LGBTQ+ Discrimination in the RAF: “Mike’s story is not unique.”

01:15 The Treatment of LGBTQ+ Individuals in the Armed Forces: “This was not just a violation of human rights, but a gross betrayal of trust and misuse of power.”

02:37 LGBTQ Military Ban: “While I was serving my country, my fellow service people were suffering in silence, their lives torn apart for simply being who they were.”

03:34 The Fight for Acceptance: The fight for acceptance, equality and justice is far from over. We must continue to stand up for our rights, to speak out against injustice, and to strive for a world where everyone is accepted for who they are.

04:49 Equality and Respect: ‘Let us strive for a world where everyone can serve their country without fear of persecution or discrimination. Because in the end, we are all human, and we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.’

Please reflect on this video and ask yourself…

1. What thoughts or feelings did the episode evoke in you, and why?

2. What were some of the most significant points made by the Joanne, and how did they impact you?

3. How did the experiences of Joanne shed light on the wider situation of LGBTQ+ individuals being mistreated in the Armed Forces?

4. Were there any moments in the episode that made you feel uncomfortable, and why?

5. What can we learn from the Joanne’s experience and the experiences of other LGBTQ+ individuals in the Armed Forces?

6. How have perceptions of the LGBTQ+ community in the Armed Forces changed or evolved since the time Joanne served?

7. How can we continue to work towards promoting inclusion and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals in the Armed Forces?

8. Are there any experiences or insights that resonated with you personally, and why?

9. Do you think discussions like this are important in the current social climate, and why?

10. How can we use the Joanne’s story to inspire empathy, understanding, and action regarding LGBTQ+ rights in the Armed Forces?