Step in the Right Direction: New VA Directive for Transgender Veterans
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs released a new directive to all VA health facilities regarding the treatment of transgender veterans who seek medical attention. After years of spotty, inconsistent care – resulting in some transgender veterans able to access necessary treatments while others were turned away or disrespected by staff, for example – the VA has made this nation-wide pronouncement to streamline practices.
The new directive states that all VA staff must provide care to transgender patients “without discrimination in a manner consistent with care and management of all Veteran patients,” emphasizing equality in treatment. It also reiterates coverage for medically necessary healthcare for transgender veterans, such as sex-specific care like mammograms and pap smears, and transition-related care like hormones and mental health services. However, the VA is still prevented from performing or paying for sex reassignment surgery, in accordance with existing regulation. For more information on the directive, check out a summary and Q&A from our allies at the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE).
This directive represents a notable step forward for transgender veterans, who deserve equal treatment for their equal service to our country. According to the large-scale transgender discrimination survey released by NCTE and the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force in February, 20% of the transgender people surveyed had served in the military. In a country where only 1% of the population joins the military today, this number stands out.
SLDN proudly serves transgender service members and veterans through our free legal hotline. Transgender Americans are still banned by DoD and service regulations from joining and serving in the military, and they have faced discrimination not only under this ban, but sometimes even under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” for being perceived as gay or gender non-conforming.
SLDN will continue to reach out to and serve the transgender military community, which has often faced great hardship and sacrifice in the name of our country. We celebrate this step forward for veterans today and look forward to continued work toward LGBT equality.
Are you, or did you serve with a transgender service member or veteran? Share your story here.
06-10-11 By Elizabeth Shirey, SLDN Grassroots/Policy Advocate |
1 Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.JCF on June 11, 2011 at 12.22 am
Why can’t the VA *perform* SRS? [I get the not paying for. Don’t like—-at all—-but get.]