In January 2000, the ban on gay personnel serving in the armed forces was lifted. Twenty years on from the abolition of the ‘gay ban’, we speak to Sgt Craig Rudyk-Smith, who joined the Royal Air Force after the ban was lifted, and Flt Lt Tamsin Wakeham, who joined before and re-joined shortly afterwards. Both discuss their experiences as queer people in the RAF, and the ways in which the organisation has improved, including the introduction of the Freedom Network, which ensures support and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community and other minority groups.