The Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) will be joining forces with the LGBT+ Veterans Charity, Fighting With Pride, for this year’s Pride in London tomorrow (Saturday).

Our Regional Lead for London and the South East, Anna-Marie Tipping, will be proudly marching with the charity, adding her voice to its work.

The VCHA and Fighting With Pride have combined during Pride Month to raise awareness of the needs of the LGBT+ cohort of service personnel dismissed or forced from service prior to 2000, when the military ban on homosexuality was lifted. 

The charity will be joining the defence portion of the parade, marching with the uniformed services and the civilians of the MoD.

Anna-Marie said: “This Armed Forces Week has given us the opportunity to collaborate with Fighting with Pride. It has given us a space to share with NHS Trusts the effects of the pre-2000 ban may have had on some of their Armed Forces community patients. 

“By highlighting the additional barriers faced by this cohort, it evidences the mission of the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance to drive the implementation of best practice that will improve Armed Forces veteran’s care, whilst the same time, raising standards for everyone.

“By exploring the Armed Forces communities’ diversity, it encourages providers to explore additional special populations that may also impact in their access to healthcare.”  

Caroline Paige, Chief Executive of Fighting With Pride: said: “We are delighted to have Anna-Marie join us to march in Pride in London this year. Their presence demonstrates the links that FWP and leading healthcare providers are building for the LGBT+ Veterans community, to create support pathways that thrive. Together, we can make sure all Veterans can access the welcoming, inclusive and understanding support they deserve.”

The parade will start off at Hyde Park Corner, then it will pass through Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket Square, Trafalgar Square and then Whitehall.