VA LGBTQ+ Outreach
LGBTQ+ Veteran Health Care Fact Sheets
These fact sheets communicate important information to LGBTQ+ Veterans about their unique health risks and relevant services offered by VA. If you are a Veteran, download the appropriate fact sheet below. VA Staff: Print all four fact sheets in color and display them in common areas of your facility, including waiting rooms, break and conference rooms, reception areas, and/or cafeterias.
Direct Patient Entry of Gender Identity and Preferred Name Now Available Online
The Department of Veterans Affairs includes gender identity and preferred name in its national medical record system to help VA providers better understand and meet the health care needs of Veterans. As of June 25th, 2022, VA patients can view, enter and edit their gender identity and preferred name at VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs. This new feature of VA.gov gives Veterans the ability to enter information about themselves into their health record without going through a VA staff person. With this new solution, VA is giving Veterans more control and choice when it comes to their healthcare information.
To enter your gender identity and preferred name at VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs, click “Sign In” in the upper righthand corner. Open your profile and click on “Personal Information”.
Once entered in VA.gov, this information will become part of your electronic health record. Your health care providers will see this information and use your responses to provide patient-centered care. Sharing this information helps VA staff and providers know your identity and use respectful terms when delivering personalized care.
LGBTQ+ Posters
Display a commemorative poster at your facility to help make LGBTQ+ Veterans feel welcome.
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Healthcare for the Veteran you are 1- Poster  |
Healthcare for the Veteran you are 2 - Poster  |
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Healthcare for the Veteran you are 3 - Poster  |
Healthcare for the Veteran you are 4 - Poster  |
LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week
The last 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, Let’s Talk! Sexual orientation and gender identity matter in health care, encourages patient-provider communication to facilitate patient trust, disclosure, and positive health outcomes. 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 and the Office of Primary Care Services. For more information, please email VALGBTProgram@va.gov.
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LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week Poster (8.5x11)  |
LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week eBulletin Board  |
We Serve All Who Served
This poster was developed to increase visibility of LGBTQ+ Veterans at VHA. The tagline "We Serve All Who Served" underscores VA's non-discrimination policy, and honors the service history of LGBTQ+ Veterans. Download, print, and display the poster in common areas of your facility, including reception areas.
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"We Serve All Who Served" Poster (8.5x11)  |
Transgender & Gender Diverse E-Consultation Program:
Transgender and Gender Diverse Veterans: The VA has a program where your provider can get advice about your treatment through your medical record. Download this flyer and bring it in to your next medical appointment to start this conversation.
Transgender & Gender Diverse Veteran Ebulletin |
Gender Affirming Program with Speech (GAPS):
The way we communicate helps to define who we are. For many, a desired voice and communication style is key to gaining acceptance in their new gender. Speech-Language Pathologists are trained to help in gender affirming voice treatment, which targets voice, speech, language, and non-verbal communication. Research has shown that skills learned with a Speech-Language Pathologist can result in increased satisfaction with voice and communication while reducing the risk of developing vocal strain.
Gender-Affirming Program with Speech (GAPS) (PDF) |
Connect. It Can Save a Life
Connect with your providers. It can save a life fact sheet. (PDF)
Connect with your patients. It can save a life fact sheet. (PDF)
LGBTQ+ Veterans may face unique health challenges— including a higher risk for mental health issues and suicidal ideation than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. If you are an LGBTQ+ Veteran, making sure your health care provider knows your sexual orientation and gender identity can improve your access to comprehensive care. VA is dedicated to offering all Veterans high-quality care in a safe, respectful environment. Being open with your provider about your identity helps VA support your whole health.
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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