Royal British Legion defends release of poppy paired with Progress Flag

To mark this year’s Remembrance Day, the Royal British Legion has released a special poppy paired with the Progress Flag, which “symbolises support for our LGBTIQ+ community who are a vital part of our armed forces past and present”. The flag, which includes elements representing binary, intersex, t

Royal British Legion defends release of poppy paired with Progress Flag

To mark this year’s Remembrance Day, the Royal British Legion has released a special poppy paired with the Progress Flag, which “symbolises support for our LGBTIQ+ community who are a vital part of our armed forces past and present”.

The flag, which includes elements representing binary, intersex, trans, and other marginalised communities, was chosen due to it being an ‘inclusive symbol for sexual orientation and gender identity’, a spokesperson for the charity said.

While bigots, including Graham Linehan and anti-trans organisation LGB Alliance, have expressed anger on social media, Caroline Paige from Fighting with Pride defended the Royal British Legion’s decision and said that the pin is about ‘LGBTQ veterans being seen and acknowledged.’

In a post on X, a Royal British Legion spokesperson said: ‘We consulted LGBTQIA+ members of the Armed Forces community, our LGBTQIA+ staff network and membership branch, and external partners before adopting the Intersex Inclusive flag for the badge.

‘It’s widely recognised as the most inclusive symbol for sexual orientation and gender identity.’

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