Comic - Coming Home

Veterans' mental health stories.

Issue1

During the pandemic Re-Live (an Arts in Health charity based in Wales), started an online group for veterans wishing to explore their experiences of mental health. As well as sharing their stories, the group expressed their love of comics, and here we are.

Our veteran storytellers - Robbie, Stan, Claire and Dave - have worked alongside some of the UKs most talented cartoonists to tell these powerful true stories.

Issue 2 of Coming Home shares stories from LGBTQ+ veterans, who experienced life in the Armed Forces before the lifting of the ‘gay ban’ in 2000.

Under the ban, thousands of LGBTQ+ service personnel were subjected to surveillance and interrogation, and suffered Court Martials, dismissals for conduct unbecoming, and even imprisonment. Many were left with a mental health legacy from the shame and punishments inflicted.

Issue 2 has been made in partnership with Fighting With Pride, the LGBTQ+ military veterans charity.

The release of the comic on 8th January 2025 coincides with the 25th anniversary of the lifting of the ‘gay ban’ in the Armed Forces on 12th January.

Mature readers.