Pride in Service: PL1 Civvy Street Joins PiVS
PL1 Civvy Street is proud to announce our significant step in championing LGBTQ+ veterans' rights by officially joining the Pride in Veterans Standard (PiVS)!
This program, run by Fighting with Pride, equips veterans' organisations with a framework to ensure their services are inclusive and welcoming to LGBTQ+ veterans. By adhering to the PiVS standards, PL1 Civvy Street demonstrates our unwavering commitment to promoting inclusion, dignity, and respect for all LGBTQ+ veterans who have served our country.
We're honoured to join a distinguished group of organisations already signed up for PiVS, including the Confederation of Service Charities, the Defence Medical Welfare Service, Op Courage, The Poppy Factory, The RAF Association, Tri-Services and Veterans Support Centre, and The War Widows Association.
By signing up to PiVS, PL1 Civvy Street gains a multitude of benefits that will enhance our services and demonstrate our commitment to LGBTQ+ veterans:
Visible Commitment: the PiVS kitemark displayed on our website and materials will clearly symbolise our dedication to LGBTQ+ veterans
Structured Improvement: the PiVS assessment framework provides a roadmap for continuous improvement, ensuring we meet the highest inclusion standards
Expert Support: access to specialist resources from Fighting with Pride empowers us to serve LGBTQ+ veterans effectively within our organisation
The shadow of the decades-long ban on homosexuality in the armed forces, lifted over 20 years ago, remains. The harm it caused to LGBT+ veterans demands ongoing work. This discriminatory past discourages many LGBT+ veterans from openly identifying as such. They may feel unwelcome within the wider veterans' community and unsupported by veterans' charities.
Addressing these lingering effects is crucial to ensure all veterans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel comfortable accessing the support they deserve. By uniting with other esteemed organisations, we can build a robust, inclusive support network for veterans from all backgrounds, demonstrating the power of collective action.