VHA LGBTQ+ Health Program - Special Observances
LGBTQ+ Health Program Celebrates LGBTQ+ Veterans
VA recognizes many LGBTQ+ Special Observances throughout the year, please read about what has happened in the last year.
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.
March 18-22 is LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week! Here at the VA, we serve our Veterans with the Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful health care you deserve. Sexual orientation and gender identity matter in health care. We know that some LGBTQ+ people have experienced bias or discrimination. That is why we celebrate LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week by reminding Veterans that we provide personalized health care that understands the specific risk and protective factors based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, and other individual factors. We encourage all Veterans to receive routine exams and take advantage of the mental health resources we offer. Additionally, our providers are trained to know both specific risk and protective factors that impact health care based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, and other individual factors.
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.
LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week Posters
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 annual VA National Virtual Pride with the. Throughout June, presentations will be offered online to Veterans and community members to participate and learn about LGBTQ+ Veterans and resources.
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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