Royal Air Force - Equality and Diversity

PRIDE LONDON EVENTS, 30 JUNE 2007

The RAF is fully committed to, and indeed actively supports, the promotion of equality and diversity awareness, and understands the importance placed by some gay and lesbian personnel on an overt demonstration of pride in their sexual orientation and in the commitment of their employer towards the diversity agenda. Nevertheless, it has now been decided that the wearing of uniform by RAF personnel at the PRIDE London 07 Parade would be inappropriate and, therefore, is not authorised.

This decision has been taken against the regulatory backdrop and, in the RAF view, Queens Regulations clearly militate against the wearing of uniform at the style of event which PRIDE London 07 represents. I am sure that all parties would agree that it is right for the RAF to control where and when uniform may be worn. Additionally, the RAF policy that sexual orientation is a private matter has served us well in recent times and we do not wish to jeopardise this position.

I appreciate that this news will come as a disappointment to some. However, please be clear; there is no ban on individual participation in PRIDE London 07; indeed personnel are encouraged to do so should they wish and, as with EuroPRIDE 06, there is no difficulty with the wearing of other identifiable items of non-uniform dress (such as P2S T-Shirts with the RAF logo/insignia). Further guidance on this aspect can be obtained from the RAF E&D policy staffs on HQ AIR (RAF High Wycombe) Ext 5046.

I hope that those who do choose to participate in PRIDE London 07 have a thoroughly enjoyable and safe day. I also look forward to receiving feedback in due course, not least at the Tri-Service LGBT Conference in London over the period 1/2 November 2007 which the RAF is proud to be hosting for the first time.

Group Captain Richard Castle
DACOS Personnel Policy