Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) veterans have served throughout our history. In 2011 when “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed, it became legal to be openly LGBTQ+ and serve in the military. On April 30, 2021, it became legal to be openly transgender and serve. The LGBTQ+ veteran and civilian community have experienced years of oppression. It is important to understand how policies and prejudicial attitudes have impacted the mental health of LGBTQ+ veterans so those serving LGBTQ+ veterans can best help them heal in an inclusive environment.
According to VA’s “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Veteran Health Care Fact Sheet (PDF | 174 KB),” some challenges LGBT veterans might face include the following:
Disabled American Veterans: LGBTQ+ Veterans
Disabled American Veterans is dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. They accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
The Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity
The Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity provides behavioral health practitioners with vital information on supporting people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, two-spirit, and other diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Military Sexual Assault in Transgender Veterans: Results from a Nationwide Survey
This 2018 VA study used an online national survey of 221 transgender veterans to identify the prevalence of military sexual assault and to assess its association with demographic characteristics, past history of sexual victimization, and stigma-related factors.
Modern Military Association of America
Formed through the merger of the American Military Partner Association and OutServe-SLDN, the Modern Military Association of America is the nation’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to advancing fairness and equality for the LGBTQ military and veteran community. Through education, advocacy and support, the organization works to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ SMVF.
Trans Lifeline: Resources for Military and Veterans
The Trans Lifeline has assembled a number of resources to assist transgender service members and veterans.
Transgender Veterans’ Satisfaction with Care and Unmet Health Needs
This 2020 VA study examined transgender veterans’ satisfaction with VA medical and mental health care, prevalence of delaying care, and correlates of these outcomes.
VHA LGBTQ+ Health Program
VA has health care services available that are specific to LGBTQ+ veterans. This website provides links to those resources and information for each LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator. There is an LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator at every facility to help LGBTQ+ veterans access needed care.