Transgender ex-RAF navigator honoured by King for contribution to LGBT+ inclusion
Caroline Paige, who was the first transgender officer to serve openly in the Armed Forces, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her lifetime contribution to LGBT+ inclusion.
As the chief executive of Fighting With Pride, she has worked to support the health and wellbeing of LGBT+ veterans, service personnel and their families.
Ms Paige was recognised for her role as a co-founder of the charity, which has brought hope to thousands of personnel affected by the military's 'gay ban' – a cause previously thought lost.
She said she was "truly honoured, proud and thrilled" to receive the award.
She added: "It is especially uplifting to receive such amazing recognition in my 25th year of working openly to raise and demonstrate not just the value of transgender inclusion in the Armed Forces and beyond, but of the wider LGBTQ+ community too.
"I am privileged to have worked with so many amazing people on this journey, and my enormous thanks go to all those who have inspired, guided and supported me along the way.
"This honour is theirs too. Thank you all."
Ms Paige saw service with the RAF in Northern Ireland, the Gulf, the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan.
She earned many commendations, both as aircrew and for bringing about change in the UK Armed Forces' attitude towards diversity and inclusion.
Craig Jones MBE, the executive chair of Fighting With Pride, said on behalf of the trustees of the charity that the honour was "richly deserved".
"Her work has enabled those who have followed her to feel more warmly welcomed and today our Armed Forces are places where LGBT+ careers thrive," he said.
"She has supported our Armed Forces communities to find their peace with the legacy of the 'gay ban' and has helped bring the hope of resolution for the veterans most affected.
"Caroline's courage in military operations globally has been matched by her incredible courage of conviction.
"Our team at Fighting With Pride is immensely proud of Caroline's achievements."
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