Scenes from LONDON PRIDE 2009

A few clips from London's LGBT Pride Parade and Celebration 7/4/09 Featuring out and proud members of the British Royal Navy, Army and Air Force. As well as the very cool sight of the Pride Flag flying over James Gibbs' St. Martin in the Fields in Trafalgar Square

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• LGBT
• Pride
• London

[TheBritishWatcher]

But that argument could be flipped around to say surely its not worth losing 1000s of people willing to serve simply because of peoples religious views against homosexuality Even if some quit following the change, according to the media it has not caused too many problems and if is got to the stage where those serving in the military can take part in these sorts of parades its a good thing

Admirals and Generals should put aside their own personal views on this matter. Its also not their choice

[TheBritishWatcher]

encouraging secrets can hardly be a good thing, surely honesty is an important part of being in a team, yet if people are too busy trying to cover up their private lives it could become more of a problem

I dont see why there would be a need for segregated living space, sharing accommodation wouldnt bother me. The shower issue is the only reason i could see thats a problem and id feel a bit uncomfortable too but the current policy means people are showering with gay people now and dont know it

[emptyangel]

Seems like the RN has the most gays. Hmmm I wonder...

[rmorecook]

Its time for the US to make the change too. In the past the US said that blacks would not make good servicement [wrong!] and that women should not serve [wrong!]. Let's let gays serve too. In the alternative, perhaps we should Monty Python it and keep out the left handed - after all they were conceived when their mothers slept on their backs with an open window - thus allowing the devil to mate with them - or "so they say".

[TheBritishWatcher]

I just do not see how it would have a serious impact on operational effectiveness. I suppose there may be a case not to implement the change in the current climate with two major wars still on going and that it should wait for a more peaceful time. But to me with two wars going on where people are losing their lives surely people should be focused on more important things than worried if theres any homosexuals in their team.

[Apachecatdog]

I understand that, I would have said living arrangements but ran out of characters, but no it wouldn't particularly bother a lot of people, me included.

All morals aside, despite the fact that people 'should' tolerate homosexuality, if it does Anything to impede the operational effectiveness of the military, it should not be allowed.

I'm not against homosexuality, i'm just for the ability of our forces to do thei job to the best of their abilities and with the highest morale possible.

[Apachecatdog]

It encourages people to keep it a secret, which I see no harm in. I don't believe that because i'm a homophobe I believe that because a persons private life should remain private.

And I can't honestly see the Military providing segregated living space, so those who have honest religious problems with homosexuality, or people who simply don't want to shower with gay people will be forced to.

(I'm not saying all gay people like all men but you would never have men and woman showering together.)

[TheBritishWatcher]

Considering the conflicts America is engaged in right now i just cant see how a change in this policy would seriously impact on morale. With the exception of shower arrangements which is the only reason i can see for people to have possible concerns it should not really matter. Surely soldiers can handle it?

Especially as the current policy just encourages dishonesty. im sure theres plenty of gay people in the US military today they just keep it secret from fear of losing their jobs. Its wrong

[Apachecatdog]

I agree with the religious part but none of the arguments from British Admirals and Generals have been religious, it was that it would lower morale and damage comradeship.

And while legally they have no choice it would be wise to have listened to those with the greatest experience and interest in the matter, rather than those whose only interest in the matter is gaining votes.

[Apachecatdog]

I understand why you'd want such a policy gone but the Admirals and Generals are against such a change and their insight should be respected.

It wasn't until 2000 that HM Forces allowed homosexuals to serve and many officers quit in protest. Surely a small gain in equality is not worth losing so much valuable experience.