Research indicates that individuals in the LGBTQ+ community are disproportionately affected by hate crimes, particularly those who identify as transgender. Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), observed annually on Nov. 20, recognizes experiencers of anti-transgender violence to shine a light on the persistence of these crimes and to memorialize those who have experienced them.
A report by the Human Rights Watch, a nonprofit that investigates and reports on abuses happening around the world, states that “The violence and discrimination that transgender people experience is deeply intersectional, with different forms of vulnerability shaped by race, gender, class, ability and nationality, among other factors. In 2020, more than three-quarters of the transgender and non-binary people killed in the United States were people of color, with Black transgender women at particular risk of violence.”
VA is dedicated to respectful, safe, and welcoming environments for all. As a way to honor that commitment, VA has placed an emphasis on ensuring individuals from the LGBTQ+ community have equal opportunity and access to adequate health care.
An environment free of harassment
It is a strategic priority to create an environment free of harassment, including gender-based harassment and sexual assault that allows Veterans, employees, family members, caregivers, and survivors feel empowered to bring their whole, authentic selves to work.
We ask everyone to help end transgender crimes
In 2021, the White House honored TDoR through several key actions:
- Issued a statement, citing that at least 46 lives were lost so far in 2021 (in the U.S.), the deadliest year for anti-transgender violence
- Held a vigil in recognition of transgender and gender-diverse people lost to violence
- Called for the passing of the Equality Act
- Released a report explaining several actions taken by the Administration to address the root cause of anti-trans violence and discrimination
During this day of Transgender Remembrance, we ask Veterans, family members, caregivers, survivors and VA employees to stand up for one another and show their support to put an end to crimes directed toward individuals who identify as transgender.
What you can do
- Take the White Ribbon VA Pledge to stop violence against others and wear the white ribbon:
I, [your name], pledge to never commit, excuse or stay silent about sexual harassment, sexual assault or domestic violence against others. Document your commitment: www.whiteribbonusa.org/whiteribbon-va-pledge.
- Learn how to protect yourself and those around you with VA’s Bystander Intervention Training
If you experience harassment or sexual assault
If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior taking place at a VA facility, report it to the VA Police, a Patient Advocate, or your Primary Care Provider immediately. All reports of harassment and sexual assault will be investigated. For more information, visit the Veterans Health Administration’s Assault and Harassment Prevention Office home page.
To learn more about VHA’s LGBTQ+ Health Program, visit VHA LGBTQ+ Health Program – Patient Care Services (va.gov).
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VA does not have a welcoming environment for all. The VA HATES me discriminates against me and refuses to provide health care to me due to my service connected disabilities. This post about how much VA cares about a group of veterans is complete lie and propaganda. VA hates disabled veterans, intentionally writes in accurate medical records, denied due process, refuses health care. The VA should be ashamed of themselves for posting anything that says they “care”
Thank you for caring and doing your best to protect transgenders. They are a minority and this is why we fight for our freedoms is to protect all and including the minority. I feel sorry for those who cannot see that everyone is different no one to persons are the same. I asked them to look within themselves to see their ignorance of not seeing that there is freedom in America and there are differences. We should all live in peace with one another. You need to ask yourself even though you may not be educated or have known a transgender, why is that minority group bothering you? What do they have to do with you? Is this minority group who are a very peaceful happy human beings hurting you or anyone that you love? Just think if the LGBTQ in particularly the transgender were the majority how would you feel about being the minority and being killed hated discriminated. That wasn’t a question.
I find it confusing, the term transgender. I understand that someone who undergoes sex change surgery is a transsexual but how can that be listed under the transgender label which had once been promoted solely as identifying transvestites? They obviously are not the same.
I dont agree with transgenderism