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Office of Resolution Management, Diversity & Inclusion (ORMDI)

 

LGBTQ+ Program

LGBTQ+ Program

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proudly leads the effort to build a diverse workforce and cultivate an inclusive work environment. We do this by developing and implementing policies and programs that promote diversity and inclusion in our workplace as we strive to ensure that VA’s workforce is drawn from the broadest segments of society so that it is poised to meet the present and future needs of our Nation's Veterans, their families and beneficiaries.

VA is committed to a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace and understands that diversity and inclusion are essential for a high-performing organization that delivers the best service to our Nation's Veterans. The LGBTQ+ community is an integral aspect of our human diversity. To that end, VA has implemented several policies and programs addressing issues facing the LGBTQ+ community and is helping VA employees and patients access benefits made available by changes to Federal policy.  For more information, view this Infographic on VA’s LGBTQ+ Program.

Executive Orders

VA Policies and Resources for Employees

Since 2009, VA’s equal employment opportunity (EEO) protections have included sexual orientation and gender identity in the Secretary’s EEO, Diversity and Inclusion, No FEAR, and Whistleblower Rights and Protection Policy Statement [PDF].To complement this, VA developed and implemented a process to provide employees with an avenue of redress for complaints. See Addressing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discriminationin Federal Civilian Employment) [PDF]. Additionally, transgender VA employees are protected from discrimination including protection while transitioning at work, access to sanitary facilities, and accurate documentation in employee files.

Are you a VA employee who has questions or concerns about issues facing LGBTQ+ VA Employees? Send an e-mail to VA’s LGBTQ+ Employee Workgroup which addresses LGBTQ+-related questions and concerns. A member of the Workgroup will review your e-mail and make every effort to address your concern. The e-mail group is confidential; even if your email is forwarded to another office for guidance, your name will be omitted to protect your privacy. Try it!

Affinity Organizations

External Affinity Conferences Approved for VA-wide Participation
(
VA External Affinity Conferences Memo [PDF])
For more information on external affinity conferences approved for VA-wide participation, please visit the following:

Training/Events

Observances (VA SEP Observances Memo [PDF])
ORMDI provides a SEP Observances Toolkit as guidance to field facilities on implementing activities for special observances, including the following:

Federal Policies and Resources

VA Policies and Resources for Veterans

In the area of health care delivery, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to a patient-centered approach that organizes services around the needs and values of LGBT Veterans. To that end, VA has enacted a variety of policies relating to LGBTQ+ Veteran Care. To learn about these policies, review the following:

VA has instituted a policy to provide respectful delivery of health care to transgender and intersex Veterans which includes use of self-identified name and pronoun, documentation of sex in the computerized patient reporting system, hormone therapy, and pre/post-surgery medical care. For more information about this policy, review the following:

If you are a Veteran, dependent, or support person and would like information about VA services for LGBTQ+ Veterans, contact the LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (LGBTQ+ VCC) at your local facility. Visit the Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans with LGBTQ+ and Related Identities, for the LGBTQ+ VCC list. If you experience difficulties locating the LGBTQ+ VCC at your facility, please email the VA LGBTQ+ Program. If you are in crisis, PLEASE call the 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 option 1 or visit the Veterans Crisis Line.

VA Policies & Resources for  Employees & Veterans
PrideVA is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee resource group for gender and sexual minorities, including, but not limited to, those identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+), as well as allies. Everyone supporting PrideVA’s mission and vision is invited and encouraged to join PrideVA – Advocating for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in the Workplace.

Disclaimer: Although PrideVA are recognized as an employee resource group within VA, they are still an independent, non-governmental organization and not an official VA organization.

Employment
ORMDI does not offer or conduct employment services.  Please visit the following:

External Government Resources

Program Contact

Mr. Sterling Akins, VA’s National LGBTQ+ Program Manager, ORMDI.


Diversity & Inclusion Section Pages

D&I Home D&I Training Workforce Analysis Policies
D&I in VA Council D&I Excellence Awards Diversity@Work Newsletter Special Emphasis Programs