 LGBTQ+ HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK March 20-24, 2023
Let’s Talk! Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Matter in Health Care
The LGBTQ+ Health Program introduces this year’s theme, Let’s Talk! Sexual orientation and gender identity matter in health care. The focus for 2023 encourages Veteran-provider communication to facilitate patient trust and positive health outcomes. LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week is an important time to bring attention to the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ Americans.
VETERANS: TALK TO YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
For the best person-centered and personalized care, your VHA health care providers should know your sexual orientation and gender identity along with other personal health information. Discussing your identity should lead your provider to ask specific questions about you and offer needed health screenings. Providers may ask you about what body parts you have to figure out what health screenings you need. If your providers know your health and treatment history, they will be better able to give you the best health care today. Talking about sexual orientation and gender identity with your providers is an important step. If your provider does not seem comfortable with you as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer Veteran, ask for another VHA provider. Comfort with your providers is essential to your health and wellness. Ask your VHA team to record your sexual orientation and gender identity in your medical record.
LGBTQ+ Veterans face increased health risks and unique challenges in accessing quality healthcare. VHA is working to be a national leader in health care for LGBTQ+ Veterans and assure that high-quality care is provided in a person-centered, respectful environment. It is important to know both specific risk and protective factors that impact health care based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, and other individual factors. Preventative care and health treatment are best when Veterans and their providers have good relationships
Let’s Talk! Sexual Orientation in Health Care Conversations
The new sexual orientation identity field in VHA medical records is being greeted with great appreciation by many Veterans.
"It is wonderful to be truly seen here at the VA and to be able to be my genuine self with my VA providers".
-Navy Veteran/Desert Storm Desert Shield Era
“It is so important to be asked about being gay. I couldn’t say anything about it when I was in the Army and didn’t want the VA to know. But I’m glad you asked me now.”
-Vietnam Veteran
The LGBTQ+ Health Program strives to ensure that LGBTQ+ Veterans 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.
Veterans often welcome being asked about their sexual orientation when providers explain how it is related to health. LGBTQ+ Veterans say they feel more comfort and trust in VHA when providers talk about sexual orientation in a health care setting. Many have not shared their sexual orientation or even that they have spouses because of the history of discrimination they have faced.
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