UK organization incorporates LGBTQ flag into the classic remembrance poppy symbol
The Royal British Legion faces criticism for allegedly adopting a “woke” stance following the launch of an "inclusivity" pin. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The Royal British Legion (RBL) faces backlash after introducing an LGBTQ-themed poppy badge, igniting a contentious discussion in the UK as Remembrance Day approaches.
As November 11 nears—a day dedicated to honoring those in the armed forces who lost their lives during combat—the RBL has included a poppy brooch adorned with a pride flag in its annual Poppy Appeal fundraising campaign. This charity supports both current and former members of the UK military.
The badge, which features the familiar red poppy alongside the multicolored flag, is described on the RBL's Poppy Shop website as a symbol of support for the LGBTIQ+ community, deemed an essential part of the Armed Forces, both past and present. The description emphasizes solidarity with individuals who faced discrimination, especially during the time when being gay, lesbian, or bisexual in the military was prohibited.
A wave of criticism has emerged on social media, with numerous users accusing the RBL of adopting a "woke" stance and politicizing the remembrance events. One critique stated, "Wearing the poppy is about remembering all those who fought irrespective of gender, race and sexuality – it is not a political gesture," as quoted by the Daily Mail, with former Royal Marines Sergeant Major Jeff Williams labeling the initiative “another pointless and deeply offensive exercise in wokeism.”
The pin features the Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag, which represents multiple identities within the LGBTQ community. The decision to use this flag over the traditional rainbow flag has also sparked frustration among some gay rights activists. Kate Barker from the LGB Alliance expressed her concerns to The Sun, stating, "The Progress Pride flag represents gays and lesbians being pushed out of their own movement by proponents of gender identity ideology."
In contrast, some advocates for LGBTQ rights have supported the pin, arguing that it signifies "LGBTQ veterans being seen and acknowledged."
The poppy, chosen as a remembrance emblem, symbolizes resilience, as these flowers thrived amid the devastation of World War I's European battlefields. During November's remembrance period, many in Britain wear poppies, typically crafted from paper.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
As November 11 nears—a day dedicated to honoring those in the armed forces who lost their lives during combat—the RBL has included a poppy brooch adorned with a pride flag in its annual Poppy Appeal fundraising campaign. This charity supports both current and former members of the UK military.
The badge, which features the familiar red poppy alongside the multicolored flag, is described on the RBL's Poppy Shop website as a symbol of support for the LGBTIQ+ community, deemed an essential part of the Armed Forces, both past and present. The description emphasizes solidarity with individuals who faced discrimination, especially during the time when being gay, lesbian, or bisexual in the military was prohibited.
A wave of criticism has emerged on social media, with numerous users accusing the RBL of adopting a "woke" stance and politicizing the remembrance events. One critique stated, "Wearing the poppy is about remembering all those who fought irrespective of gender, race and sexuality – it is not a political gesture," as quoted by the Daily Mail, with former Royal Marines Sergeant Major Jeff Williams labeling the initiative “another pointless and deeply offensive exercise in wokeism.”
The pin features the Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag, which represents multiple identities within the LGBTQ community. The decision to use this flag over the traditional rainbow flag has also sparked frustration among some gay rights activists. Kate Barker from the LGB Alliance expressed her concerns to The Sun, stating, "The Progress Pride flag represents gays and lesbians being pushed out of their own movement by proponents of gender identity ideology."
In contrast, some advocates for LGBTQ rights have supported the pin, arguing that it signifies "LGBTQ veterans being seen and acknowledged."
The poppy, chosen as a remembrance emblem, symbolizes resilience, as these flowers thrived amid the devastation of World War I's European battlefields. During November's remembrance period, many in Britain wear poppies, typically crafted from paper.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
