James Wharton joined the British Army in August 2003 and entered into the ranks of the Blues and Royals.
In 2007 James served in Southern Iraq for seven months carrying out his duties as an Armoured Reconnaissance soldier. In 2008 he spent 4 months assisting in the training of other troops preparing for active service at the British Army’s training facility in Alberta, Canada.
James has played a part on all major state occasions including the State Opening of Parliament, Lord Mayor’s Parade, Cenotaph Parade and the Queen’s Birthday Parade. In April 2011, James was honoured to be escorting the Sovereign on the occasion of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding.
James was the first gay person to appear on the front cover of Soldier magazine, the British Army’s official publication, which also had an in-depth article on James’ life as its feature.
Marrying his long term partner Thomas in March 2010, James and his husband became the first same sex couple to have their relationship formalised in the Household Cavalry’s 350 year history. They enjoyed the celebrations within the walls of the London barracks.
James tours secondary schools in the UK as a positive role model for Stonewall as part of their Education for All campaign, talking of his experiences as an ‘out’ gay soldier in the British Military. He has also featured in Stonewall’s Role Model guide, published in 2012.
James has ranked in the top 20 of the Independent on Sunday’s Pink List for the past 3 consecutive years down to his work fighting homophobia within Britain’s Schools and his LGB activism commitments.
His first book, ‘Out In The Army: My Life As A Gay Soldier’ was released in June 2013.
