Caroline Paige, who was the first transgender Officer to serve openly in the UK 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.