LGBTQ+ Veteran care

LGBTQ+ refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identifying identities. The ‘Q’ refers to queer identities, as well as those who are questioning their sexual orientation and/or sexual identity. The + sign is meant to be inclusive of sexual orientations and sexual identities beyond LGBT, including pansexual, asexual, sexual non-conforming, sexually diverse, nonbinary, sexually neutral and other identities.

Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System seeks to promote the health, welfare, and dignity of LGBTQ+ Veterans and their families. We are committed to making sensitive and high-quality health care accessible. Our employees are prepared to provide personalized, patient-centered care in a safe, affirming, and welcoming environment.

Care we provide at VA Charleston health care

Our LGBTQ+ Veteran care coordinators can answer your questions, advocate for your right to quality care, handle complaints or concerns you have about your care, and help you get started with any of our services for LGBTQ+ Veterans. These include:

• Hormone therapy in limited circumstances
• Mental health services
• Testing, counseling, and care for HIV and sexually transmitted infections, including PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for Veterans at risk for HIV
• Other prevention, screening, wellness, and testing services

Policies and practices to know

The care coordinator can help you get started with care or with navigating any of these issues.

Visitation: A same-sex partner, family member, friend, or other individual can be present with the patient for emotional support during the course of the patient's stay.

Definition of family: "Family" may include individual(s) not legally related to the individual. Family members include spouses, domestic partners, different-sex and same-sex significant others.

Advance directives: Veterans may designate any person as a decision-maker for care if they won't be able to make these decisions themselves. This includes same-sex partners. Advance directive agents are chosen by the Veteran and do not need to be biologically related.

Documentation in medical records: VA Charleston maintains the confidentiality of information about sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and sexual identity, just like any other private health information.

Resources and Support

• LGBTQ+ Veteran Care 
• Trans-identifying veterans support group on Facebook
• Charleston Area trans-identifying Support Group: Second Saturday of each month from 7-9pm. Email info@ChasAreaTSupport.org for more information

For more information about the LGBTQ+ Health Program, email: VALGBTProgram@va.gov

LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (VCC) Program

Every VA facility has a local LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (VCC) who can connect you with services and help you navigate specialized resources.

Connect with a care coordinator