Trans veterans are twice as likely as cisgender veterans and over five times more likely than the general population to die by suicide. This isn’t inevitable, and it’s an outcome that our Administration has the power to help change. 1 in 5 transgender Americans will serve in the military in their lifetime, making the Department of Veteran's Affairs one of the largest healthcare providers to trans people in the US.
Secretary McDonough promised transgender veterans more equitable healthcare on June 19, 2021 and to take measures to lift the exclusion of gender affirming surgery from the Medical Benefits package. Nearly 2 years have passed and trans veterans are still waiting. We are asking the Administration to honor Transgender Day of Visibility by removing the exclusions and providing comprehensive care to transgender veterans. You can sign on as an organization or as an individual who supports our trans community.