Trump admin removes LGBTQ+ veterans’ health care programs
Facilities in the US are being made to remove LGBTQ+ classification across medical coordinators (Getty Images)
Facilities across the US have been ordered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to get rid of gender identity-based initiatives and remove LGBTQ+ classification across medical coordinators who help LGBTQ+ veterans access medical care.
The June 12 directive, seen by The Advocate and signed by Veterans Health Administration Under Secretary for Health John J. Bartrum, is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to remove references to LGBTQ+ and transgender identities from federal programs. The move has raised concerns among VA staff about the future of services designed for LGBTQ+ veterans.
According to medical professionals who reviewed the memo, employees are worried that the changes could jeopardise programs such as PRIDE in All Who Served and CBT-PRISM. PRIDE in All Who Served is a 10-week VA support and education program that has been linked to improvements in mental health, reduced suicide risk, and increased engagement in care among LGBTQ+ veterans.
The directive requires VA facilities to comply with executive orders that target diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and federal recognition of transgender individuals. Under the new guidance, LGBTQ+ veteran care coordinators will now be called ‘care coordinators’.
Facilities have been instructed to review websites, policies, training materials, communications, and events for compliance. The directive also states that federal resources can’t be used for activities that promote what the administration calls “gender ideology”.
The VA says all veterans will continue to receive care and that programs mandated by Congress will remain unchanged.
The latest directive follows other policy changes affecting LGBTQ+ veterans, including the 2025 cancellation of guidance for the care of trans and intersex veterans and restrictions on referrals for gender-affirming care.
It isn’t yet clear whether the administration is going to retain the functions of LGBTQ+ veteran care coordinators under a new title or whether the change is part of a broader effort to get rid of the program.
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