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Pride of the Royal Navy: LGBTQ+ Network joins forces with Portsmouth to mark the UK’s Pride celebrations for 2025
9 June 2025
Portsmouth played host to UK Pride this year, marking a weekend of historic and heartfelt moments in the Royal Navy’s ongoing commitment to equality, inclusion, and reconciliation.
Kickstarting the weekend, the Royal Navy’s LGBTQ+ Network proudly welcomed veterans onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, including those who were affected by the ban on LGBTQ+ personnel that remained in place across the UK Armed Forces until 2000.
Hosted by HM Naval Base Portsmouth’s Captain of the Base, Captain Lee McLocklan, the visit served not only as a gesture of remembrance and respect but as a pivotal moment of recognition and healing for veterans in attendance, many of whom were unjustly dismissed or forced to leave service under previous discriminatory policies.
Able Rate Liam Bell, Deputy Chair of the Royal Navy’s LGBTQ+ Network said: “We were honoured to welcome these veterans aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth and to stand shoulder to shoulder across generations in shared service and pride.
“This event was about more than remembrance – it was about reconciliation, respect, and responsibility.”
The day was part of a broader weekend of reflection, celebration, and unity under the theme: “Pride in those who keep us safe”.
Portsmouth’s Royal Maritime Hotel also hosted veterans, current serving personnel, potential Royal Navy recruits, as well as members of the emergency services and wider public sector recognising the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community across the full spectrum of national service.
The national celebrations on Southsea Common saw the city come together with a strong representation from across defence including veterans, serving personnel, the National Museum of the Royal Navy as well as military charities Fighting with Pride and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity; a visible and united celebration of a diverse and inclusive Royal Navy and UK Armed Forces.
The poignant weekend culminated in a special commemorative service held by the Deputy Chaplain of the Fleet on Sunday (8 June) at St Anne’s Church within Portsmouth Naval Base. Guests paid tribute to LGBTQ+ personnel who have been lost in combat, through illness or as a result of service and took time to reflect and remember.