It’s just 20 years since the UK changed its laws to permit openly gay men and women to serve in the Armed Services (and a bare 10 years since the US followed suit). It was after all one of the most ridiculous laws as when it came to wartime the authorities were happy to turn a blind as queer people not only were desperately needed up in all of the Forces they sacrificed their lives to serve their countries.
Now it’s turning full circle albeit a tad slowly, as this week as Second Officer Paul Owen, 53, from Blackpool, is to receive an Award for championed minority groups rights, particularly women and LGBT+ members. Owen helped establish the Pride in Maritime network while seconded from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) to umbrella body Maritime UK. The network educates and enables individuals and companies to embrace the LGBT+ community.
Later this year he is to be appointed LGBT+ Champion when he returns to the Royal Fleet Auxiliaries.
Owen is the very first recipient of the Merchant Navy Medal for LGBT+ work across the maritime sector and in an interview with BBC TV he talked of the bad old days and the bullying he experienced early in his career at sea.
Labels: 2021, LGBT support, Maritime Pride, Meritous medal, Paul Owen, Royal Navy
