Navy reaches out to gays and lesbians

The Royal Navy is aiming to improve its image as an inclusive employer by allowing gay and lesbian sailors to march in uniform for the first time at London’s EuroPride event in July.

Vice-admiral Adrian Johns told a conference organised by campaign group Stonewall last month that he wanted to “give a strong personal signal that the Royal Navy welcomes and actively champions diversity in its workforce”.

Noting the adverse effects of intimidation and a reluctance to come out, he added: “We came to realise that sexual orientation was not something that could just be put to one side.”