“The macho side of me took over. It just said, this isn’t happening.”
Ken, Kevin and Martin are armed forces veterans.
They were discharged from the military; their comrades never discovering why.
This Remembrance Sunday, for the first time, they’ve been invited to march past the Cenotaph.
It’s a story of double lives, court payouts and military secrets - and what happened when three men told the truth.
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Until 12th January, 2000, it was illegal for gay, lesbian and bisexual people to serve in the British Army, Royal Navy and RAF.
If they were outed, they could lose their medals, their pensions and their jobs, and sometimes serve a prison sentence. The British Government finally apologised for the policy in 2020.
Thanks to Fighting With Pride, the LGBT+ military charity, for putting us in touch.
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This episode is sponsored by Beer52, the world’s number one craft beer club. For an exclusive FREE trial case of 10 beers, a magazine and a snack, visit beer52.com/modern
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Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, expectant father Ollie Peart - fresh from packing off his precious snood to the wilds of Colorado - has been investigating the trend for baby showers.
Have ‘gender reveal’ events taken over from ‘traditional’ showers?
Does anyone REALLY make nappy cakes and go nipple bobbing?
And is there a quieter, more British equivalent, please?
If YOU would like to challenge Ollie to test out a trend on a future edition of the show, submit it via our feedback form.
The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com
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Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox takes time off from plugging ‘Sex Education’ to ask: should self-pleasure ever be a guitly pleasure?
Listener ‘Worried Wanker in West Watford’ has begun secretly tossing one out in the shower each morning to satisfy his urges - while his partner’s sex drive has decreased due to anti-depression meds.
But the couple have a ‘no wanking in the house’ rule. Is this sustainable?
If YOU would like to ask Alix a question of sex - you can remain anonymous if you wish - submit it via our feedback form.
The Foxhole is sponsored by Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com.
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Finally, our record of the month is ‘Moody’ from the fabulous Self Esteem, whose new album drops on 22nd October. Finally, a song about mental health we can dance to! 👇
This show is free to download, but it isn’t free to produce.
If you can afford to, please buy us a beer once per month - or as often as you like - using our secure, customisable form here. Thanks!
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We’ll see you again on November 10th.
