Moulton, Houlahan Demand VA Restore LGBTQIA+ Veteran Healthcare Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, DC -Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) led a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug A. Collins demanding the immediate reversal of recent Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) directives that remove dedicated LGBTQIA+ care infrastructure.

The lawmakers expressed grave concern over recent administrative decisions to eliminate LGBTQIA+ Veteran Care Coordinators, dismantle specialized support networks, and restrict tailored healthcare resources, dismantling systems designed to provide inclusive medical and mental health services to those who served.

"An estimated one million LGBTQ+ individuals have served or are currently serving in our nation's military," the lawmakers wrote. "Many of these veterans served in silence during eras of overt discrimination, including under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' and historically faced significant barriers and stigma when seeking care after their service... Stripping away these dedicated roles and support networks creates confusion, fosters fear of discrimination, and risks driving vulnerable veterans away from critical medical and mental health services."

The lawmakers requested the VA take the following immediate actions:

1. Re-establish dedicated LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator positions across all VA Health Care Systems with clear guidance to maintain specialized support services.
2. Rescind directives that prohibit or restrict internal and external support groups, staff training, and specialized care programs for LGBTQ+ veterans.
3. Provide a detailed response outlining the specific steps that will be taken to ensure there veterans have access to the LGBTQ+ veteran support networks.

Read the full letter here.

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