Dame Kelly Holmes fights back tears recalling horrific ordeal during army LGBT ban-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

Dame Kelly Holmes had to compose herself while speaking about a landmark apology from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

It was illegal to be gay in the British military until 2000, and Sunak called this fact an ‘appalling failure’ and apologised on behalf of the government.

Serving personnel suspected of being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender used to be intensely questioned and subjected to distressing medical inspections.

People lost their careers and their pensions and were ordered to never again use their military rank or wear their uniform.

Some even served time behind bars due to the military criminal offence of being homosexual.

Kelly was one of the former serving officers who submitted testimony of their experience in the army for a Government-commissioned independent review into the service and experience of LGBT veterans who served in the armed forces between 1967 and 2000.

Kelly bravely spoke about her experience (Picture: Loose Women)

‘As today’s report makes clear, in that period many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment, all while bravely serving this country,’ said Sunak.

‘Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise.’

During Friday’s episode of Loose Women, Olympian Kelly reflected on the experience and her involvement in getting the apology as part of the campaign group ‘Fighting With Pride’.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologised on behalf of the government (Picture: AP)

Before she began speaking she told her fellow panellists, and viewers, that she needed a moment to compose herself as she can get overwhelmed.

‘Okay I’ve got to take a deep breath because I get quite anxious and emotional,’ she honestly revealed.

After taking a few seconds, she said: ‘During that time [Kelly was in the army from 1998-1997] there was a witch hunt, where they were purposely going into barracks and trying to find people who were considered, possibly, to be gay.’

Kelly has fought for the apology (Picture: Jeremy O’Donnell/Shutterstock)

She confirmed that it had happened to her, in a petrifying experience that left her shaken.

‘I was raided. The royal military police would come into my private space, my bedroom, and ransack it completely, be intimidating, interrogating, be in my face.

‘I was scared. I was 23. I was petrified. I didn’t want to lose my career. For me personally that caused me mental health issues throughout my whole career. I was so petrified as the shame was institutionally driven into me, hence why I didn’t come out until last year.’

Kelly Holmes was an Army sergeant (Picture: PA)

She recalled having to hide letters from her sister and friend in case they contained information that would get her in trouble.

Kelly was supported by Nadia Sawalha, Judi Love and Sunetra Sarker who praised the former Olympian for her bravery in speaking out.

Judi also gave Kelly’s hand a squeeze following her passionate speech about the landmark filing, indicating their firm support.

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