VA LGBTQ+ HEALTH PROGRAM TRANSGENDER AWARENESS MONTH

VA LGBTQ+ HEALTH PROGRAM:

TRANSGENDER AWARENESS MONTH

TRANSGENDER & GENDER DIVERSE AWARENESS MONTH

VA recognizes November as Transgender Awareness Month.  It is a yearly event about the culture, achievements, and work toward equal rights of transgender and gender diverse people. The LGBTQ+ Health Program theme is Honoring your service and identity: VA stands firm with Transgender & Gender Diverse Veterans.  Visit our website for important resources for Veterans, their caregivers, and families at: LGBTQ+ Health Program Pride Month & Special Observances

GENDER DIVERSE CARE AT VA

​A provides a wide range of treatments to all eligible Veterans. Gender-affirming care plans are personalized based on Veterans’ goals and health. Veterans: talk to your care providers to see what services are right for you.
There are new brochures for Veterans and providers that list some common types of gender-affirming care.  And see all the patient education brochures on the website.

HAVE THE NAME & GENDER IDENTITY YOU WANT IN VA RECORDS

We have some great news about VA.gov! We have made it simpler for Veterans to tell VA your name and gender identity. We want everyone to feel included and respected when they use VA. Now, when you log in, you’ll see an easier way to change the name you would like us to use and tell us your gender identity. Sharing this information will help VA make sure all Veterans are treated with respect, dignity, and kindness. See the step-by-step instructions.

LGBTQ+ VETERAN CARE COORDINATORS

VA's LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (VCC) Program is here for Veterans at every VA facility.

Find your local LGBTQ+ VCC at: https://www.patientcare.va.gov/LGBT/VAFacilities.asp
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Email the national LGBTQ+ VCC Program at [email protected] to get help in connecting with your local LGBTQ+ VCC.

COMPLETED RESEARCH PROJECT:

Gender-Affirming Care Evaluation (GRACE)

What was the purpose of this study? We wanted to learn more about Veterans’ experiences with gender-affirming care, including past surgeries and interest in future gender-affirming surgeries.  VA wants to know how to best serve transgender and gender diverse (TGD) Veterans. 

Who conducted the study? The GRACE study was led by a team that included both VA researchers and TGD Veterans working with the VA LGBTQ+ Health program.
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Want to learn more about those who participated and some key findings? 
 Read more here

Veterans Crisis Line number 988 (press 1)
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Get the new - LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Flyer

​If you are in crisis, please call 911, go to your nearest Emergency Room. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press “1” after you call) to communicate with a caring, qualified VA responder standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact VCL by Text to 838255 or chat on the web: www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Share updates from LGBTQ+ Health Program at VA

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www.patientcare.va.gov/LGBT/Subscribe_Email_Updates.asp https://www.patientcare.va.gov/LGBT/Subscribe_Email_Updates.asp

​Thanks for reading the Veterans Health Administration’s LGBTQ+ Health Program Newsletter. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) welcomes all Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivor beneficiaries, and recognizes all gender identities and sexual orientations. “LGBTQ+” refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer identities. The “+” sign captures identities beyond LGBTQ, including but not limited to pansexual, asexual, agender, gender diverse, nonbinary, gender-fluid, and other identities.

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Veterans Health Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387)