Liz Stead, a 78-year-old woman from Chichester, West Sussex, has become a poignant symbol of the injustices faced by LGBT+ individuals in the military. Unbeknownst to her, she lived for 56 years with a criminal record simply because of her sexual orientation. In 1969, Liz was discharged from the Royal Air Force (RAF) after her superiors discovered a love letter she had written to her girlfriend. This discovery not only led to her expulsion but also resulted in a criminal conviction for "perceived same-sex sexual activity." Liz’s story took an unexpected turn more than five decades later. In December of the previous year, she discovered the existence of her criminal record while applying for financial compensation through a scheme designed for veterans dismissed due to the military's ban on homosexuality, which was only lifted in 2000. Her application was initially rejected because of the conviction, prompting her to seek a pardon from the Home Office. The revelation of her criminal record came as a shock to Liz, leaving her to ponder how it might have affected her life and career. Reflecting on her career in local government, Liz expressed concerns that her undisclosed criminal record could have influenced her job prospects. "I can think of one job where it might have been the reason I didn't get it," she said. Her case highlights the shadow such hidden records can cast over lives, creating barriers and uncertainties. In 2012, the UK government introduced the Disregards and Pardons Scheme, enabling individuals historically convicted for consensual same-sex activities to have these convictions erased from their records. However, it wasn't until 2023 that the scheme was expanded to include women and more former military personnel affected by pre-2000 discriminatory laws. Since this expansion, 40 individuals, primarily former military personnel, have received pardons, including Liz. Liz is now urging other women who may have faced similar circumstances to come forward and apply for pardons. Her appeal is particularly directed at those who might have interacted with law enforcement or been dismissed from military service due to their sexuality. She emphasizes the importance of uncovering any unknown convictions that could still be impacting lives. Despite her exemplary service in the RAF for three and a half years, Liz’s career was abruptly ended when the Special Investigation Branch of the military police, which often targeted same-sex relationships, scrutinized her personal life. This incident underscores the harsh realities faced by LGBT+ service members during a time when homosexuality was criminalized in the UK military, despite partial decriminalization for civilians beginning in 1967. The journey toward justice for LGBT+ veterans like Liz has been long and fraught with challenges. Although homosexuality was decriminalized for civilians in England and Wales in 1967, Scotland in 1980, and Northern Ireland in 1982, the military maintained its ban until a landmark ruling by the European Court of Human Rights in 2000 declared it illegal. Liz’s story is part of a broader effort to provide reparations to those affected by this discriminatory history. She was invited to a ceremony designed to restore her military honors and formally welcome her back into the military community. While the occasion was intended to be a celebration, Liz now views it with mixed emotions due to the late revelation of her criminal record. She noted that had she known about the record at the time, she might have reconsidered attending the event. Peter Gibson, CEO of the LGBT+ military charity Fighting With Pride, which assisted Liz in her application for a pardon, emphasized the significance of rectifying these past injustices. "Liz's experience shows how important it is that justice is properly done to all LGBT+ veterans who suffered under the cruel ban," he stated. He highlighted the devastating impact the ban had on lives and careers, noting the shocking reality that some individuals might have unknowingly carried a criminal record despite their service to the country. Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, echoed these sentiments, stating that criminal records for same-sex relationships "should never have existed in the first place." She highlighted the profound impact of the pardons on individuals’ lives, enabling some to have their military medals returned and allowing others to move forward without the burden of past injustices. Phillips urged anyone with convictions under these unjust laws to apply for the scheme, reaffirming the government's commitment to righting historical wrongs. Through her advocacy, Liz Stead is not only seeking personal closure but also paving the way for others to seek justice and