VA’s Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) recently hosted a fireside chat in honor of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, featuring Chief of Staff Kimberly Jackson and the Honorable Shawn G. Skelly, a distinguished Navy Veteran, performing the duties of the deputy under secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. The event, which can be viewed in full in the video below, was a testament to VA’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, and it served as a platform to discuss the challenges and triumphs of transgender Veterans.
The chat highlighted Skelly’s personal journey as a transgender woman and provided a unique perspective on the issues faced by transgender Veterans. The conversation was candid, shedding light on the struggles and sacrifices made by transgender Veterans in the ongoing fight for equality. She shared her personal experiences, too, noting the courage it took to live authentically, saying “I’m here because I’m trans, because that has unlocked the best of me.”
The event was not just a commemoration but also a call to action. Skelly emphasized the need for continued advocacy for transgender rights, particularly within the military and Veteran community. She stressed the importance of policies that protect and support transgender individuals, urging attendees to be allies and advocates, and thanked VA (and the CMV) for its commitment to serving all Veterans—regardless of their gender identity.
CMV will continue working to ensure that all Veterans—including those from underserved, minority and marginalized communities—receive the recognition and support they deserve.
As we remember those we have lost, let us also celebrate those who have chosen to serve this great Nation. Let us honor their service by continuing to strive for a more inclusive and understanding world.
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Designed to inspire 8th to 12th-grade students, the event sought to ignite interest in medical careers, underscoring CMV's dedication to fostering diversity in health care.
The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of volunteer African American military pilots (fighters and bombers) who fought in World War II and formed the 332nd Fighter and 477th Bombardment Groups of the United States Army Air Forces.
VA's Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) partnered with PrideVA and others for fireside chat in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility for a riveting conversation on visibility.
Totally unacceptable behavior. It’s unfortunate that both government & certain corporate America condoned this behavior for a certain group that might represent less than 1/10 % of Americas population all in the name of political correctness.. The focus must be a force in redeness not DEI
The VA would better uphold its mission of “caring” for veterans by helping veterans who are confused by their gender walk away from the confusion. You can’t change your gender…You are what you were born to be.
Telling veterans they can be whatever gender they want to be and celebrating this lie isn’t true care nor true love. The VA is actually hurting veterans when they lie to them about gender dysphoria.
Abomination. We’re inviting the wrath of God.
“love one another as I have loved you” You’re really the embodiment of Christ, Clay.
p.s. God isn’t real