Patient Care Services
VA LGBTQ+ Health Program Patient Education, Resources, & Outreach Materials
LGBTQ+ Veteran Health Care Patient Education
These Veteran education brochures communicate important information to LGBTQ+ Veterans about their unique health risks and relevant services offered by VA. Veterans, families, caregivers, Veteran Service Organizations, and community providers are welcome to share and print the brochures. Brochures are intended to be printed in color. VA employees are encouraged to display them in common areas of your facility, including waiting rooms, break and conference rooms, reception areas, and canteens. For linking and sharing the brochures electronically, please link to this page to be sure that you direct people to the most up-to-date versions.
Direct Patient Entry of Gender Identity and Preferred Name Available Online
VA includes gender identity and preferred name in its national record systems. This helps VA providers better understand and meet the health care needs of Veterans. It is VHA policy that Veterans must be addressed and referred to by the Veteran’s chosen name, even when you are not present. Veterans may have a preferred or chosen name that differs from legal name listed on government-issued official identification or insurance documents. No documentation, form, or paperwork is required to have preferred name added to the electronic medical record.
Veterans can contact registration and enrollment, or you can view, enter, and edit your preferred name and gender identity without contacting VA. For preferred name and gender identity, go to VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs, click “Sign In” in the upper righthand corner. Open your profile and click on “Personal Information.” For detailed information and guide for using VA.gov, please see: How to add or change your preferred name and gender identity on VA.gov (PDF). Once entered in VA.gov, this information will become part of your electronic health record.
Health Care for the Veteran You Are - LGBTQ+ Health Program Posters
VA is dedicated to being a leader in health care for the Veteran you are for LGBTQ+ Veterans and provides high-quality care in an affirming and welcoming environment. VA staff and providers will respect your identities. Use the Health Care for the Veteran You Are posters all year to get out the message and ensure LGBTQ+ Veterans receive the care they need and deserve.
VA employees, Veterans, families, caregivers, Veteran Service Organizations, and community providers are welcome to share and print these posters. Posters are intended to be printed in color. VA employees are encouraged to display them in common areas of your facility, including waiting rooms, break and conference rooms, reception areas, and canteens. For linking and sharing the posters electronically, please link to this page to be sure that you direct people to the most up-to-date versions.
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.
Transgender & Gender Diverse E-Consultation Program:
Transgender and Gender Diverse Veterans: Get additional expert advice on your gender-affirming treatment plan. If you would like an expert team to review your treatment plan and provide advice based on a chart review, ask your provider to submit an e-consultation through your medical chart. You can review their advice about next steps in your treatment with your local team. Download this flyer and bring it in to your next medical appointment to start this conversation.
Transgender & Gender Diverse Veteran E-Consultation Flyer |
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
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.
- Veterans Crisis Line number is now 988 (press 1) 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:https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
- Veteran Suicide Prevention
- Don’t Wait. Reach Out.
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LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention: NEW FLYER 
Podcast highlights "LGBTQ Care in the VA"
Dr. Jillian Shipherd, LGBTQ+ Health Program Director at VA Central Office, discusses the ongoing efforts and strategies in VHA to provide inclusive and affirming care for Veterans with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and related identities.
https://www.spreaker.com/user/11014928/womenshealth-lgbtq-shipherd-wmusic-maste
MakeTheConnection.net online resource for Veterans
Sharing LGBTQ+ Identity With Providers- https://www.maketheconnection.net/events/sharing-LGBTQ-identity-with-providers *
Office of Resolution Management, Diversity & Inclusion (ORMDI)
VA LGBT Departmental Special Emphasis Program (pdf)
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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