US Veterans Affairs issues directive to eliminate LGBTQ+ health programs, orders return of DEI — Report | Today’s news
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an internal directive ordering healthcare facilities to remove gender identity-based initiatives and LGBTQ+-specific designations within their system of care.
A June 12 memorandum obtained by The Advocate, signed by Veterans Health Administration Under Secretary John J. Bartrum, mandates nationwide compliance with federal executive directives that restrict diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and limit references to gender identity in government operations.
What changes according to the new directive?
The Note requires VA facilities to:
-Removal of all DEI and DEIA programs
-End initiatives based on gender identity and “gender ideology”.
-Remove references to LGBTQ+ identity in programs and communications
-Limit the use of federal funds, facilities, and staff time for such initiatives
– Review website, training materials, policies and internal systems for compliance
– Rename LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators to generic “Care Coordinators”
In effect, specialized programming and labels associated with identity are being replaced by broader, uncategorized service structures.
Why is it being introduced?
The directive refers to executive orders issued under the Trump administration that:
-End federal DEI programs and related funding priorities
-Require federal agencies to recognize only binary gender categories (male and female)
The memo frames the changes as a compliance requirement and directs VA facilities to align all operations, communications, and training with these orders.
What programs are affected?
The policy raises concerns about the future of several dedicated initiatives for LGBTQ+ veterans, including:
PRIDE in All Who Served — A 10-week support and health education program aimed at improving mental health outcomes
CBT-PRISM – A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program Targeting PTSD, Chronic Pain, and Minority Stress Among LGBTQ+ Veterans
Both programs were developed in response to documented disparities in health care outcomes affecting LGBTQ+ veterans and have been associated with improved mental health indicators such as reductions in depression, anxiety, and suicide risk.
Why are these programs significant?
These initiatives were created after VA research found that LGBTQ+ veterans often face:
– Higher rates of mental health problems
-Increased stigma and discrimination in healthcare facilities
-Obstacles in access to inclusive care
Programs such as PRIDE and CBT-PRISM have been designed to provide targeted support, build social connections, and reduce minority stress.
What concerns have been raised?
Health care providers at VA facilities reportedly expressed immediate concerns that the directive could result in the loss or reduction of specialty services.
One VA doctor told The Advocate that staff are worried about “losing programming and services that are uniquely designed for LGBTQ+ veterans.”
Advocates say the policy could weaken targeted mental health support and eliminate structures that have been built to address long-standing disparities.
The memorandum requires VA leadership and facilities to certify compliance within a short time frame, including reviewing all materials and implementing structural changes.
However, the question remains as to whether existing programs will be completely terminated, restructured or integrated into broader frameworks of care without determining a specific identity.
For now, the directive represents a significant policy shift in how the US federal veterans health care system approaches LGBTQ+-specific services.
