[Livia]

Originally Posted by BBXX

I think some people should remember it was only in 2000 the ban of homosexuals serving in the Army was lifted. Before that - just 24 years ago - it was illegal to be in the Army if you were gay.

What this means is that there were many, many gay people who gave their life for their country despite not being free to love who they wanted to. Many lived in secret and broke the law in order to fight for their country. Many were sent to prison.

This, to me, is a harmless and small way of acknowledging just how ****ed up that is and paying respects to the many gay men and women who fought for the British Army and still do.

Aside from the meaning behind it... does anyone else find it quite ugly?

Some people were killed outright and some suffered horrific wounds that were life changing. Some suffered mentally and continue to live a half life because what they saw and experienced changed their life irrevocably. Some leave the army and find it so hard to go back to ordinary life they end up on the streets. Being gay does not compound the suffering of those who've been in combat. There isn't a sliding scale of suffering according to your sexuality. The red poppy is for everyone who served regardless of age, ethnicity or sexual orientation. If gay organisations are concerned perhaps they can start their own organisation which caters only for one group.