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 Dr. Michael Kauth, Executive Director of VHA’s LGBTQ+ Health Program in the Office of Patient Care Services, talked about the importance of respect for patients, colleagues, and visitors at VA, in a recent interview. “I try to treat others like I want to be treated,” says Kauth. “I am polite. I listen to others and work to understand them. I am not perfect, so I apologize when I make mistakes. While each of us may feel different from others in some way, all of us want to be treated fairly and respectfully.”
Good communication involves trying to understand others. The LGBTQ+ Health Program offers education to VHA staff about LGBTQ+ Veterans’ experiences and how to engage them. These ideas can improve Veteran health care and help make a respectful environment.
- Don’t make assumptions about who a person is or what they value.
- Use the name they want to be called.
- Recognize a person’s gender identity and pronouns.
- Understand that people with LGBTQ+ identities or other marginalized identities may need empathy and respect due to past experiences.
- Keep a non-judgmental manner.
Dr. Kauth knows sometimes people say things that are not respectful of LGBTQ+ people. When this happens, he states that the comments are not okay because VA needs to be safe and welcoming for everyone. Sometimes it is hard to know when to say something. If you feel unsafe, stop the conversation and leave. Let VA staff and others know; ask for assistance as needed.
VA’s Bystander Intervention Training helps people understand more about what to do; see below for information about this free course for Veterans and how to find the Bystander Intervention Training for Veterans. The LGBTQ+ Health office staff worked on the Bystander Intervention Training for Veterans. Dr. Kauth says, “What I really like about the trainings is they remind us we have a responsibility to say something when we see or hear harassing and disrespectful behavior. The trainings offer common strategies for setting boundaries and keeping a safe environment for everyone.”
We all make mistakes. It is important to show cultural respect when we make a mistake about someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation identity. As much as we try not to make assumptions about people, it does happen. Be open when someone points out that you have made an assumption and apologize. Acknowledge other’s dignity and show empathy. Dr. Kauth says, “If we work together, we can make the VA a place of comfort, support, safety, and respect for Veterans and their loved one and for employees who work alongside each other to meet VA’s mission.”
This story was adapted from an original article by Erinn Izykowski, AHPO Program Specialist. Published in VA INSIDER for VA staff on January 6, 2023. Used by permission.
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 Sexual Orientation Identity: Personalized Health Care for Veterans
The LGBTQ+ Health Program strives to ensure that Veterans with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and related (LGBTQ+) identities seen at Department of Veteran Affairs facilities receive affirming and respectful care. VA’s goal is that all LGBTQ+ Veterans choose VA for their health care needs.
How people identify their sexual orientation influences their thinking about health, health behaviors, and access to health care. When VHA providers know a Veteran’s sexual orientation identity, they can better understand and meet health care needs. Veterans who use VHA can expect their provider to ask about sexual orientation identity and to enter this information in the medical record. Veterans can choose not to answer this question.
Question: Can Veterans enter their sexual orientation identity themselves?
Answer: Not yet. VHA is working on solutions that will allow Veterans to enter sexual orientation data into their record but that is not currently an option.
Question: How can a Veteran ensure their sexual orientation identity is in the medical record?
Answer: Veterans can speak with their VA health care providers. Most providers can enter the information. There are some differences in the method of entry due to the VA electronic health record modernization project based on facility. Veterans can also reach out to their local LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators, find one here:
Directory of LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator - Patient Care Services (va.gov).
Question: Is being asking about sexual orientation identity uncomfortable?
Answer: Research shows that LGBTQ+ Veterans and non-LGBTQ+ Veterans appreciate being asked these questions by a health care provider during a health care visit.
Question: How will sexual orientation identity information be protected?
Answer: Medical records are private, protected information. Health care providers can deliver patient-centered care when they know Veterans sexual orientation identity and it is part of the private health record.
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Bystander Intervention Training for Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a helpful training opportunity for our nation’s Veterans: “Bystander Intervention Training for Veterans.” Anyone can experience harassment, and we invite Veterans and caregivers to take this free, online training to help VA maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
This is what learners should know about the training:
- The training covers information and practical techniques that Veterans can use if they observe harassment or sexual assault at a VA facility. It will enable learners to feel confident in their ability to recognize a situation where harassment or sexual assault is taking place, know how to get help, and know what to do or say to help prevent it from getting worse.
- It is free, online, and requires no registration. It takes about 30 minutes to complete and can be accessed from a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
- The VA is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment in every VA facility. The VA is calling on everyone who visits a medical center, facility, or cemetery, to help contribute to a healthy and safe environment by learning to recognize and respond to harassment and sexual assault. We all can play a role in ensuring that VA facilities are free of harassment.
- Want to know more? Please read about the training in VA’s online publication, VAntage Point: https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/94962/free-online-bystander-intervention-training-for-veterans
Go to Veteran Bystander Intervention Training Home - Veteran Training (va.gov) or scan the QR code below. (Be sure to get your certificate of completion.)
If you are in crisis, please call 911, go to your nearest Emergency Room, or call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press “1” after you call).
You can also Text to 838255 to communicate with a caring, qualified VA responder standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Contact on the web: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
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Each VA facility has a local LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (LGBTQ+ VCC). The LGBTQ+ VCC is responsible for promoting best practices for serving LGBTQ+ Veterans and connecting LGBTQ+ Veterans to services. Find your local facility’s LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator. |
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Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Connect with the Veteran Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
Call: the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and Press 1.
Text: 838255 to communicate with a VA responder standing by to help every day, 24/7.
Chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat
Thank you for signing up to get updates from the VHA LGBTQ+ Health Program. VA is committed to providing quality care to all Veterans, including LGBTQ+ Veterans.
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