Patient Care Services
LGBTQ+ Health Program Pride Month & Special Observances
LGBTQ+ Health Program Celebrates LGBTQ+ Veterans
Hear VA staff talk about why Pride Counts at VA.
VA is committed to creating a welcoming environment and improving healthcare for everyone, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Veterans. VA staff play a critical role in ensuring that LGBTQ+ Veterans receive the care they need and have earned in service to our country.
Transgender and Gender Diverse Awareness Month
VA recognizes November as Transgender and Gender Diverse Awareness Month. Veterans of all gender identities are welcome at VA. VA provides many gender-affirming services. Find important information about transgender and gender diverse Veterans and gender affirming care:
• Transgender and gender diverse patient education brochures
- Transgender Men & Transmasculine Veterans Health Care(PDF)
- Transgender Women & Transfeminine Veterans Health Care(PDF)
• Gender Affirming Care at VA: Resources for Veterans(PDF) and Resources for Providers(PDF).
• Veterans can add or change preferred name and gender identity on VA.gov(PDF)
• More gender affirming care information can be found here: VA LGBTQ+ Health Program Patient Education, Resources, & Outreach Materials - Patient Care Services
• Watch these videos:
Veteran Care Coordinators on Transgender and Gender Diverse Visibility
Transgender Person Using a VA Restroom in a Safe, Welcoming, and Respectful Enviornment
Use these posters to welcome transgender and gender diverse Veterans:
VA Transgender Awareness Month |
VA Transgender Awareness Month |
Use the Honorific “Veteran” instead of “Mr.” or “Ms.” to convey respect. Share these posters:
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VA Celebrates Pride Month by Serving all Who Served!
The LGBTQ+ Health Program celebrates Pride Month with the message that Pride Counts at VA!
Pride Counts at VA because…
- Everyone has a gender identity and a sexual orientation.
- Veterans who are LGBTQ+ face increased health risks and unique challenges in accessing quality health care.
- We envision a VA where everyone feels comfortable and supported in sharing who they are.
- Identities are important for providers to know so they can individualize health care.
Pride Counts at VA is meant to inspire, educate, and inform Veterans that VA provides an affirming and respectful environment where Veterans can feel comfortable talking about sexual orientation and gender identity with their VA providers to get the best care possible.
Pride Counts at VA informs Veterans they can include their sexual orientation and gender identity information in their health records. Veterans can speak to their providers or local LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators to update VA health record and/or enter gender identity and preferred name themselves at VA.gov.
Pride in Your Health: Routine health care is an important part of staying healthy for LGBTQ+ Veterans. VA encourages Veterans to talk about all aspects of their lives with their providers, including sexual orientation and gender identity, so that we can provide the best care possible. Conversations and the information you share with your VA provider are confidential. Veterans, talk to your VA health care providers to learn more about which medical exams, screenings, immunizations, and services are recommended for you. Reach out to your medical facility’s eligibility and enrollment office or LGBTQ+ Veterans Care Coordinator to get started.
Celebrate Pride Month & Welcome LGBTQ+ Veterans All Year
Use these posters and flyers to celebrate pride and share that Pride Counts at VA! Use them all year to inspire and inform Veterans that VA provides an affirming and respectful place for LGBTQ+ Veterans. Click on the outreach links to get material that can be printed or used on computer and TV screens. Bring them to events where LGBTQ+ Veterans will be. VA employees, Veteran Services Organization, community groups, and everyone are welcome to use and display these posters.
Pride Counts at VA |
Pride Counts at VA (Spanish) |
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Pride in Your Health |
Pride in Serving LGBTQ+ Veterans |
LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week
The third week in March is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Questioning (LGBTQ+) Health Awareness Week. To mark the event, please display a commemorative poster at your facility and help make LGBTQ+ Veterans feel welcome. The poster can be printed on 8.5”x11” paper or used with electronic bulletin board systems.
This year’s theme is Let’s Talk! Sexual orientation and gender identity matter in health care. For the best person-centered and personalized care, VA healthcare providers and Veterans can talk about sexual orientation and gender identity along with other personal health information. We want Veterans to be comfortable talking with their VA providers about all aspects of their lives for the best care possible. Comfort with health care providers is essential to health and wellness. Veterans talk to VA providers about having sexual orientation and gender identity in medical records.
LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week is an important time to bring attention to the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ Americans. LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week is sponsored by the LGBTQ+ Health Program.
VA Pride Month 2022 - Serving all who served
View the VA Pride Month message from 2022. Here at VA, our doors are always open to all Veterans. VA has specific expertise in caring for LGBTQ+ Veterans and understanding their unique triumphs, challenges, and health concerns.
PRIDE EVENTS FROM OTHER VA PROGRAMS
Veterans Affairs Pride Recognition
VA recognizes LGBTQ+ Veterans during Pride Month. Find out more about patient care, benefits, and discharge upgrades. Watch video messages from Veterans.
VA Virtual Pride: A Month of Fun and Educational Events
Veterans are invited to join in the 3rdannual VA National Virtual Pride with the theme for 2023 “We all have a seat at the table.” Throughout June, daytime presentations will be offered online to Veterans and community members to participate and learn about LGBTQ+ Veterans and resources. Registration is required. See the full Calendar of Events
VA Women Veterans Health Care
For lesbian, bisexual, queer, and transgender Veterans, visit VA Women’s Health.
Get updates from LGBTQ+ Health Program at VA
Sign up to get it delivered right to your email. https://www.patientcare.va.gov/LGBT/Subscribe_Email_Updates.asp
LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (VCC) Services
There is an LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (LGBTQ+ VCC) at every facility to help you get the care you need. VHA policies require that your health care is delivered in an affirming and inclusive environment and that VHA employees respect your identity.
Reach out to your local facility’s LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator today: https://www.patientcare.va.gov/LGBT/VAFacilities.asp
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