VA LGBTQ+ Policies
Transgender Person Using a VA Restroom in a Safe, Welcoming, and Respectful Environment
During Pride and year-round, VA is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all who visit our facilities. Pride Counts at VA because everyone has a gender identity and a sexual orientation. Access to public accommodations such as restrooms is based on an individual’s self-identified gender identity without harassment. The VHA Assault and Harassment Prevention Office supports the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and professional environment for all employees, Veterans, volunteers, and visitors. Harassment or sexual assault will not be tolerated at any VA facility.
All who visit a VA campus should expect to be treated with respect. Likewise, we also expect all who enter a VA facility to treat others with respect. Learn more about VA's efforts to end harassment here: https://www.va.gov/STOP-HARASSMENT/index.asp
- VHA Directive 1340: Health Care for Veterans who Identify as Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual: This policy states that any attempts (formal or informal) by VHA staff to convert or change a Veteran’s sexual orientation are prohibited.
- VHA Directive 1341: Providing Health Care for Transgender and Intersex Veterans. This is VA policy on the transgender care offered in VA facilities. This policy includes medically necessary care, such as hormone therapy, mental health care, preoperative evaluation, and post-operative and long-term care following gender confirming surgery. Gender confirming surgery cannot be performed or funded by VA.
- Rights and Responsibilities of VA Patients and Residents of Community Living Centers. This policy says that you won’t be discriminated against for any reason, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
- Rights and Responsibilities of Family Members of VA Patients and Residents of Community Living Centers. The VA uses a broad understanding of family, including anyone whom the patient or resident considers to be family.
Need Help? 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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