British Army flying the rainbow flag on bases across the world for Pride
The British Army is flying the rainbow flag at more than 300 locations across the world this week.
This week, rainbow flags have been flying at 300 Army locations throughout the world, to celebrate LGBT Pride.
Lt Gen Patrick Sandersthe Commander Field Army and the Army’s LGBT Champion, said: “Under fire, no one cares if someone is black or white, gay or straight; an individual should be valued for who he or she is and what they can do.
“Raising the rainbow flag across the Field Army is a clear symbol of our inclusive approach to all groups, regardless of preference or difference.
“Only by fully embracing our diversity will we be set to overcome the varied challenges of the future.”
Lt Gen Sanders will be marching alongside Army LGBT personnel at Pride in London on Saturday.
He said: “I’m proud to be the Army’s LGBT champion and straight ally and want to celebrate the service of LGBT members of the Army.”
The Army will also be giving out rainbow camo cream to those attending this weekend’s Pride Parade.
Developed by London-based creative agency Karmarama in partnership with Army Recruiting Group, the stunt subverts the traditional khaki camouflage colours soldiers use to keep hidden, swapping these for the celebratory rainbow boldness of Pride.
Sgt Guy Lowe-Barrow, Secretary of Army LGBT Forum and the Army BAME Network: “We’re proud to be recognised as a top LGBT employer and this campaign is built on a belief that diversity makes us stronger and more effective.
“We wanted to reflect the participation of so many of our personnel this weekend and demonstrate the diversity we encourage in the Armed Forces.”
Adam Kean, Executive Creative Director at Karmarama said: “The modern Army is proud of its LGBT+ soldiers and we wanted to celebrate that. Camo cream is all about hiding and blending in, but this is a time for standing out and standing proud.
“So we’re handing out over a thousand rainbow camo creams at the parade, and creating a advertising campaign to support this.”
Other demonstrations in support of inclusivity in the Army have been taking place all week, including a Diversity and Inclusion Conference in Tidworth, with about 500 service personnel in attendance.
The ban on gay soldiers serving in the Army was only lifted in 1999, after a long-running campaign by LGBT rights campaigners.
