Emma Riley’s story on taking the Ministry of Defence to the European Court of Human Rights to achieve equality.
About this event
We are honoured to have Emma Riley, a former Royal Navy radio operator, joining us to share her fascinating story about how a career in the Royal Navy in the early 90s was suddenly sunk when her sexuality was revealed by a fellow crewmember, resulting in her arrest and discharge. But it doesn’t end there.
Emma turned a devastating experience into positive change by fighting to change the law against lesbian, gay and bisexual people serving in the British Army, Navy and Royal Air Force.
Thanks to Emma, and the other LGB ex-service people who brought their case against the Ministry of Defence to the European Court of Human Rights the ban was repealed on January 12, 2000.
The Ministry of Defence now has an LGBTQ+ group within its rank to support service personnel, and the Royal Navy ranks 71 on Stonewall’s top 100 Employers list.
Join us during Lesbian Visibility Week to hear her story.
Note: Please join us at 12:30 for networking (with sandwiches) before Emma’s talk begins at 1 pm.
