VHA began collecting data on veteran’s sexual orientation and gender identity in 2022 to inform policy and improve clinical care.
[6] Brown and Jones identified 5,135 transgender veterans receiving care in VHA using a broader set of diagnostic codes.
The researchers noted that LGBT veterans may be uncomfortable disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity because when they were in the military this information could lead to their discharge from service.
[9] Sherman and colleagues also found that some LGBTQ+ veterans worried that disclosing their sexual or gender minority status would lead to losing VA medical benefits, even though there is a Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities Policy[10] that prevents this type of discrimination.
For example, nearly two-thirds of a sample of LGBTQ+ veterans rated their primary care and mental health care providers at VHA as “somewhat” or “very welcoming.” Similarly, 64% of LGBTQ+ veterans endorsed feeling “somewhat” or “very comfortable” disclosing their sexual orientation to their VHA providers, and 67.5% of transgender participants reported feeling comfortable disclosing their gender identity.
[11] LGBTQ+ people, including LGBTQ+ veterans, have unique health needs that need screening and follow up, which require healthcare providers initiate conversations about sexuality and gender identity and expression with patients.
For example, patient[10] and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee [12] non-discrimination policies now include protections for sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and also have an inclusive definition of family.
[14] One important activity by the Office of Health Equity has been their championing of VA facility participation in the Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index survey.
[18] The LGBTQ+ Health Program advises these nine fellowship sites, which include VA medical centers at Bedford, MA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Honolulu, HI; Houston, TX; Milwaukee, WI; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; and West Haven, CT. Fellows provide direct clinical services to LGBTQ+ veterans in a variety of clinical settings, as well as train staff and outreach to LGBTQ+ community agencies.
In addition to responding to the needs of LGBTQ+ Veterans, the VHA Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) has taken steps to foster a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ employees.