New comic book reveals struggles of LGBTQIA veterans

Entitled Coming Home, this book will detail the harrowing experiences of those impacted by the LGBTQIA military ban 

BY SARAH KENNELLY, IMAGE BY ED FIRTH

A new Coming Home comic book has been unveiled, telling the heartbreaking stories of British LGBTQIA veterans in their own words. It will be released on 8 January to mark the anniversary of the lifting of the LGBTQIA ban in the UK armed forces. This comes in the wake of an announcement that LGBTQIA veterans who were dismissed for being LGBTQIA will be eligible to receive up to £70,000 in compensation. 

Although homosexuality was decriminalised in the UK in 1967, the ban on LGBTQIA people in the armed forces continued until 2000. Under the ban, people were subjected to surveillance and interrogation which led to dismissals and, for some, imprisonment. This new compensation scheme aims to rectify the “moral stain” of the historical ban on homosexuality and will offer veterans the opportunity to have their rank restored and discharge reason amended. 

In its second issue, Coming Home will touch on a diverse range of narratives affected by the ban. This includes a trans fighter pilot and an RAF lieutenant who was jailed for his romantic relationship with another man.

Flight Lieutenant Steve Purves, who is telling his story for the first time, said: “I found this to be a hugely imaginative exploration and capture of memories of my life through dialogue and questions. There were tears, tantrums and tiaras and a lot of fun. The whole process was exhausting but cathartic.”

The comic will feature artwork from renowned LGBTQIA activists like Ed Firth, Anna Readman, Ria Grix, and AJ O’Neill. Committed to portraying the human stories at the centre of this powerful book, the artists allowed the veterans to have input at every stage to create an honest reflection of their experiences. 

Private Julia Curry added: “I found it hard opening up such a traumatic experience, but because of Karin and Steve’s kind and understanding personalities I felt at ease sharing the trauma. It was a shock at first seeing myself drawn as a younger woman and it put us straight back into the Army environment.  Our artist Anna Readman has picked up our personalities in her drawings perfectly.  We were there reliving it with her drawings.”

Her wife, Corporal Ruth Birch, continued: “We were just amazed at how we looked and although we haven’t met our artist Anna yet she totally captured our spirit and souls so completely.”

Ed Firth hopes readers will feel encouraged to stand up against injustices after reading the project: “Even if you don’t do politics, politics will do you. We have to be vigilant always and demand respect where it lapses, curate happiness, and protect safe spaces. Don’t wait for someone to bring it to you on a silver platter.”

Coming Home issue two will be on sale through comic shops in UK, USA, Ireland and Australia from Wednesday 8 January 2025.

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