Many people don’t think twice about scheduling an appointment with a doctor. Their biggest barriers may be insurance concerns or finding the time for a visit.
But what if you avoid seeking care because of historic attitudes toward your sexual orientation or gender identity? This is the situation many Veterans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or another minority orientation (LGBTQ+) face.
Further complicating matters is the fact that LGBTQ+ people have greater rates of experiencing suicidality and suicide attempts than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, not due to their sexual orientation or gender identity but because of health care disparities and discrimination. LGBTQ+ people are not inherently prone to suicide risk. Being aware of risk and protective factors can make it possible to provide appropriate and relevant emotional support when it’s wanted or needed.
Listening to and validating someone’s emotions are two quick ways to help in situations where someone needs support. Providers can also offer visible LGBTQ+-affirming care and a welcoming environment. On a larger scale, there are things anyone can do to help LGBTQ+ Veterans.
The first step
Being affirming of Veterans’ identities is essential. One difficulty in finding support for LGBTQ+ Veterans and to help lower their suicide risk is that many of their specific risk factors are directly related to discrimination, access to care and health equity issues. These things aren’t easy to change immediately because they’re part of a cultural bias toward LGBTQ+ Veterans. More importantly, community members and health care providers can address the barriers and discrimination LGBTQ+ Veterans experience to help reduce this risk factor by talking about why sexual orientation and gender identity matter in health care.
Being aware of other risk factors can empower LGBTQ+ Veterans to get support. Here are some things to think about:
- Loneliness and social isolation. Increased physical and emotional support from your family, friends, co-workers and others can lower suicide risk. Consider joining an LGBTQ+ Veteran group or one devoted to your hobby, or start a group if you can’t find one. Veterans Service Organizations, such as local or national LGBTQ+ Veteran groups, are also good places to find people who understand Veterans and the unique challenges they face. For more information, visit the VHA LGBTQ+ Health Program – Patient Care Services site.
- Firearm ownership. Firearms are the leading cause of suicide among Veterans, and studies tell us LGBTQ+ Veterans are twice as likely to own a gun (a significant independent risk factor for suicide) when compared to non-LGBTQ+ Veterans. Learn about safe and secure firearm storage to help lower your risk.
- Economic and social issues. Homelessness, bias in the military and employment instability are just some factors that can increase suicide risk for LGBTQ+ Veterans. If you’re a Veteran who is homeless or experiencing housing instability, find resources offered by VA’s Homeless Programs. If you need help with job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development and job-seeking skills coaching, VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment program can offer assistance.
- Sexual orientation and gender identity matter in health care. LGBTQ+ Veterans face increased health risks and unique challenges in accessing affirming health care, especially if providers don’t ask about sexual orientation and gender identity. VHA is working to assure that high-quality care—including suicide prevention—is provided to LGBTQ+ Veterans in a person-centered and respectful environment. Learn more about talking to your provider by reading these patient education brochures. Every facility has a local LGBTQ+ Veteran care coordinator (LGBTQ+ VCC).
Resources for Veterans and their loved ones
You can find answers to frequently asked questions, how to upgrade your character of discharge from the military, and patient education information about health risks for specific subgroups of LGBTQ+ Veterans through VHA’s LGBTQ+ Health Program.
Talk to your local LGBTQ+ VCC to find out what services are available at the facility nearest to you.
We offer a range of resources available toall Veterans, not just those enrolled in VA benefits or health care:
- Veterans Crisis Line is a free, 24/7 confidential resource that connects Veterans and their loved ones to a caring, qualified responder. Dial 988 then press 1, chat online at at the Veterans Crisis Line, or text 838255.
- VA Mental Health. VA’s repository of mental health and suicide prevention resources, information and data materials.
- The National Resource Directory connects wounded warriors, Veterans, service members, their families and caregivers to national, state, and local services and resources.
If you care about a Veteran who identifies as LGBTQ+, you don’t have to feel powerless. Small actions, like starting a conversation, can make a big difference. For more information, including how to identify signs of crisis, see our Crisis Conversation Handout.
To read more stories on LGBTQ+ health care, visit VA News and Information.
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There is no such thing as transgender. You can not change your biological sex. The term gender being used to describe your sex is a relatively recent development in language. Males are oriented towards having small gametes and impregnating females who are oriented towards having large gametes and gestating new life. Trying to change your reproductive sex is not possible and studies show that attempting to do so are damaging physically and mentally. Other countries such as the UK, Sweden, and Finland are farther ahead on the subject of transgender than us and have more data. Those countries have found that attempting to “transition” increases health risks and that counseling provides that best outcome. We need to, as best as possible, provide the truth in love in all interactions. Just truth is hurtful and just love is deceitful. Both truth and love must always be present. Telling “trans” that embodiment isn’t reality but that we make our own reality based on how we feel is hurtful. And worse yet providing medical options for “trans” is changing healthy organs into non-functional or removed organs is the very definition of mutilation. The VA and Legislation needs to look at all the data on this subject. Voters also have a role to play. My daughter, who has believed the “trans” lie is now actively seeking to mutilate her body and rejecting anybody that does not affirm the lie that is transgender.