Gay soldier organises party for LGBT servicemembers

Tpr Wharton on the cover of Soldier magazine

The openly gay British Army serviceman who was featured on the cover of Soldier magazine in July is putting on a drinks event in Soho for LGBT members of the armed forces and emergency services.

Trooper James Wharton was the first openly gay soldier to feature on the magazine cover and appeared in dress uniform with an Iraq medal next to the slogan 'Pride'.

Since the media attention his cover received, he has been put in charge of organising lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans events at the Army.

Although Saturday's event is aimed at the public services such as the MOD, Army, police, Navy, RAF and fire brigade, attendees are free to bring guests and anyone is welcome.

Tpr Wharton told PinkNews.co.uk: "It's the third time we've done it, we hold it on the first Saturday of each month. Well, it's a piss-up really. It's for anyone who works in public services, like the Army, the police, the fire brigade, the Navy.

"It's quite an unofficial group, it's just a monthly get-together but now we've extended it to everyone. Last month, we extended it to the Met and the fire brigade and we think this month's will be the biggest yet. We're having it in the upstairs bar at Ku Bar but we think we're going to have to move to the downstairs bar next month because numbers are swelling so much."

He added: "It makes sense, as people in the armed forces and public services share the same interests. Once a year, we all march at Pride together but this is a good idea to keep in touch."

The event will be held on Saturday September 5th at Ku Bar in Lisle Street, near Chinatown. It starts at 7pm.