VA Eliminates Gender-Identity Initiatives, Reclassifies LGBTQ+ Care Coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs issued a June 12 memo eliminating all gender-identity activities and reclassifying LGBTQ+ care coordinators as general care coordinators across 142 VA health systems. The directive, signed by Undersecretary John Bartrum, complies with two 2025 Trump executive orders ending federal DEI programs and mandating recognition of only two biological sexes. Union officials warn the changes may deter LGBTQ+ veterans from seeking care, especially mental health services, due to stigma fears. VA leaders must confirm compliance by June 26.
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VA Reclassifies LGBTQ+ Care Coordinators and Restricts Gender-Ideology Services
The Veterans Affairs Department has issued a June 12 memo requiring all facilities to restrict resources for LGBTQ+ specific services, redesignating LGBTQ+ care coordinators as general care coordinators for all veterans. The directive, signed by Under Secretary for Health John Bartrum, prohibits using VHA funds or facilities for any activities promoting gender ideology or gender identity, and mandates compliance with White House executive orders on gender and DEI programs. VA employees expressed concerns about negative impacts on LGBTQ+ veterans' mental health, noting increased hospitalizations due to anxiety. The memo builds on Trump-era orders defining sex as male or female and ending federal DEI programs. Previous VA actions already phased out gender dysphoria treatments for transgender veterans. The changes have caused confusion and staff departures among care coordinators.
Government Executive - All ContentVA ends gender identity-based programs, messaging and activities
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a directive ending all gender identity-based programs, messaging, and activities within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), effective June 26. Signed by Under Secretary for Health John Bartrum, the memo reclassifies LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators as generic 'care coordinators' and prohibits the use of VHA funds or resources for any activities promoting gender ideology. The policy aligns with Trump administration executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and recognizing only two sexes. Advocates and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) warn the change will negatively impact LGBTQ+ veterans' access to care, citing research showing higher rates of health conditions and suicide risk among this group. The VA maintains the policy ensures treatment based on clinical needs without discrimination, but practical implementation remains unclear.
Task & PurposeVA Ends Gender Identity-Based Programs and Reclassifies LGBTQ+ Care Coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a directive ending all gender identity-based programs, messaging, and activities within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), effective June 12, 2025. Signed by Under Secretary for Health John Bartum, the memo orders VHA facilities to cease initiatives promoting gender identity or ideology, including training, events, and promotional materials, within 14 days. It also reclassifies LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators to generic 'care coordinators.' The policy aligns with Trump administration executive orders limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and defining sex as binary. Critics, including the American Federation of Government Employees and Out in National Security, warn the change could deter LGBTQ+ veterans from seeking care due to discrimination fears and disrupt established support pathways. VA research shows LGBTQ+ veterans face higher suicide risks and health disparities, raising concerns about the policy's practical impact on access to care.
Task & PurposeVA ends gender identity-based programs and activities, reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a directive ending all gender identity-based programs, messaging, and activities at Veterans Health Administration facilities. Signed by Under Secretary for Health John Bartrum on June 12, the memo also reclassifies LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators as simply 'care coordinators.' The changes align with Trump administration executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and recognizing only two sexes. VA sites have 14 days to comply. The directive bans use of VA funds or resources for any events or training promoting gender identity or ideology. Advocates and the American Federation of Government Employees warn the policy will harm LGBTQ+ veterans, who already face higher risks of discrimination, suicide, and health disparities. A VA spokesperson deferred questions to the memo, while critics say practical implications remain unclear and could discourage veterans from seeking care.
Task & PurposeVA Eliminates Gender-Identity Initiatives, Reclassifies LGBTQ+ Care Coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs, via an internal memo dated June 12, 2026, ordered the elimination of all activities promoting gender-identity or gender-ideology across the Veterans Health Administration. The directive, issued by Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum, aims to comply with two Trump administration executive orders ending federal DEI programs and requiring recognition of only two biological sexes. All LGBTQ+ care coordinators at 142 VA health systems are to be redesignated simply as 'care coordinators,' focusing on care for all veterans regardless of race, creed, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. The memo also bans use of VA funds, facilities, or official time for related meetings, trainings, or working groups. Union officials and providers warn these changes will deter LGBTQ+ veterans from seeking care, particularly mental health services, due to fears of misgendering and stigma. Support groups like PRIDE in All Who Served and CBT-PRISM therapy may also be affected.
Air Force TimesVA eliminates gender-identity initiatives, reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs issued an internal memo on June 12, 2026, directing the elimination of all activities promoting gender-identity or gender-ideology within the Veterans Health Administration. The memo, obtained by The Advocate, reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators as simply 'care coordinators' and aims to comply with two 2025 executive orders from President Trump ending federal DEI programs and requiring recognition of only two biological sexes. Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum stated the guidance ensures veterans are treated based on clinical needs without discrimination. The directive prohibits use of VA funds or resources for gender-identity related activities and requires uniform compliance. VA medical center providers and the American Federation of Government Employees union expressed concern that LGBTQ+ veterans will avoid treatment due to fear of misgendering or stigma, particularly affecting mental health services. VA leaders have until June 26 to confirm noncompliant activities have ended.
Air Force TimesVA eliminates gender-identity initiatives, reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an internal memo eliminating all activities related to gender identity and reclassifying its LGBTQ+ care coordinators as general 'care coordinators.' The June 12 directive, sent by Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum, aims to comply with two 2025 executive orders from President Donald Trump that ended federal DEI programs and mandated recognition of only two biological sexes. The memo prohibits VA resources from being used for gender-ideology promotion and requires uniform compliance. LGBTQ+ care coordinators at all 142 VA health systems will be redesignated. The American Federation of Government Employees and LGBTQ+ advocates warn the changes will deter veterans from seeking care, particularly mental health services, due to fears of misgendering and stigma. VA leaders must confirm compliance by June 26.
Military TimesVA eliminates gender-identity initiatives, reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is eliminating all activities related to gender identity and reclassifying its LGBTQ+ care coordinators as general 'care coordinators' to comply with two executive orders from President Trump's second term: one ending federal DEI programs and another requiring recognition of only two biological sexes. An internal memo from VA Under Secretary for Health John Bartrum, dated June 12, 2026, prohibits use of VA funds, facilities, or official time for promoting 'gender-ideology' and mandates uniform compliance. The memo, first obtained by The Advocate, has raised concerns among providers and the American Federation of Government Employees that LGBTQ+ veterans may avoid care, including mental health services, due to fear of stigma and discrimination. VA leaders must confirm compliance by June 26.
Military TimesVA Eliminates Gender-Identity Initiatives, Reclassifies LGBTQ+ Care Coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an internal memo eliminating all activities related to veterans' gender identities and reclassifying LGBTQ+ care coordinators as general 'care coordinators.' The June 12 directive, sent by Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum, aims to comply with two executive orders signed by President Donald Trump in 2025: one ending federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and another requiring the government to recognize only two biological sexes. The memo prohibits VA funds, facilities, or resources from being used for any activities promoting 'gender-ideology or gender-identity.' LGBTQ+ care coordinators at all 142 VA health care systems will be redesignated. The American Federation of Government Employees and LGBTQ+ advocates warn the changes will deter veterans from seeking care, particularly mental health services, due to fears of misgendering and stigma. VA leaders must confirm compliance by June 26.
Navy TimesVA eliminates gender-identity programs, reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an internal memo eliminating all activities related to gender identity and reclassifying its LGBTQ+ care coordinators as general 'care coordinators.' The June 12 directive, from Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum, aims to comply with two 2025 executive orders by President Donald Trump that ended federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and mandated recognition of two biological sexes. VA funds, facilities, and official time cannot be used for events promoting 'gender-ideology.' The VA employs at least one LGBTQ+ care coordinator per medical center. The American Federation of Government Employees union warned the changes could deter LGBTQ+ veterans from seeking treatment, particularly mental health services, due to fear of discrimination. The VA's website previously stated its commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ veterans are welcome.
Army TimesVA eliminates gender-identity initiatives, reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an internal memo eliminating all activities related to gender identity and reclassifying LGBTQ+ care coordinators as general 'care coordinators.' The June 12 directive from Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum aims to comply with two 2025 executive orders from President Trump: one ending federal DEI programs and another requiring recognition of only two biological sexes. The memo prohibits VA funds, facilities, or resources from being used for gender-ideology promotion. LGBTQ+ care coordinators at 142 VA health systems will be redesignated. Union officials and providers express concern that the changes will deter LGBTQ+ veterans from seeking care, particularly mental health services, due to fears of misgendering or stigma. VA leaders must confirm compliance by June 26.
Marine Corps TimesVA Eliminates Gender-Identity Initiatives, Reclassifies LGBTQ+ Care Coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an internal memo eliminating all activities related to gender identity and reclassifying LGBTQ+ care coordinators as general 'care coordinators.' The June 12 directive, sent by Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum, aims to comply with two executive orders signed by President Donald Trump in 2025: one ending federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and another requiring recognition of only two biological sexes. The memo prohibits VA funds, facilities, or resources from being used for gender-ideology promotion. It also mandates uniform compliance with the executive orders. The American Federation of Government Employees, representing over 300,000 VA employees, warned that these changes could deter LGBTQ+ veterans from seeking care, particularly mental health services, due to fear of misgendering or stigma. The VA previously employed at least one LGBTQ+ care coordinator per health care system. VA leaders have until June 26 to confirm cessation of noncompliant activities.
Army TimesVA eliminates gender-identity initiatives and reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an internal memo, dated June 12, 2026, directing the elimination of all activities related to gender identity and the reclassification of its LGBTQ+ care coordinators as general 'care coordinators.' The directive, signed by Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum, aims to align the VA with two executive orders from President Donald Trump's second term: one ending federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities and another requiring recognition of only two biological sexes. The memo prohibits the use of VA funds, facilities, or official time for gender-ideology-related meetings or training, and orders uniform compliance. LGBTQ+ providers and the American Federation of Government Employees union warn that these changes will cause veterans to avoid care, especially mental health services, due to fears of stigma and misgendering. The VA's website previously emphasized creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ veterans.
Marine Corps TimesVA eliminates gender-identity initiatives, reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is eliminating all activities related to veterans' gender identities and reclassifying LGBTQ+ care coordinators as general 'care coordinators,' according to an internal June 12 memo made public. The directive, issued by Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum, aims to comply with two Trump administration executive orders: one ending federal DEI activities and another requiring recognition of only two biological sexes. VA funds, facilities, and official time can no longer be used for meetings or trainings promoting 'gender-ideology or gender-identity.' Employees' uniforms must also comply with the orders. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and the American Federation of Government Employees expressed concern the changes will discourage LGBTQ+ veterans from seeking mental health and other care due to fear of stigma or misgendering. The VA has 142 health care systems, each previously assigned at least one LGBTQ+ care coordinator.
Navy TimesVA eliminates gender-identity initiatives, reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an internal memo eliminating all activities, meetings, trainings, and resources related to gender identity, and reclassifying its LGBTQ+ care coordinators as generic 'care coordinators.' The June 12 directive, from Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum, aims to comply with two executive orders from President Donald Trump's second term: one ending federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and another recognizing only two biological sexes. The VA employs at least one LGBTQ+ care coordinator per 142 health systems. Critics, including the American Federation of Government Employees union, argue the changes will deter LGBTQ+ veterans from seeking mental health and other care due to fears of stigma and misgendering. VA leaders must confirm compliance by June 26, 2026.
Military TimesVA eliminates gender-identity initiatives, reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an internal memo eliminating all activities related to gender identity and reclassifying LGBTQ+ care coordinators as general 'care coordinators.' The June 12 directive, signed by Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum, aims to comply with two 2025 executive orders from President Trump that ended federal DEI programs and mandated recognition of only two biological sexes. The memo prohibits using VA funds or resources for gender-ideology promotion and requires uniform compliance. LGBTQ+ care coordinators at 142 VA health systems will be redesignated. The American Federation of Government Employees warned the changes could deter LGBTQ+ veterans from seeking care, particularly mental health services, due to fears of misgendering or stigma. VA leaders must confirm compliance by June 26.
Air Force TimesVA Eliminates Gender-Identity Initiatives, Reclassifies LGBTQ+ Care Coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an internal memo eliminating all activities related to gender identity and reclassifying its LGBTQ+ care coordinators as general 'care coordinators.' The June 12 directive, sent by Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum, aims to comply with two executive orders signed by President Donald Trump in 2025: one ending federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and another requiring the government to recognize only two biological sexes. The memo prohibits the use of VA funds, facilities, or official time for any activities promoting 'gender-ideology or gender-identity.' It also mandates that employee uniforms comply with the executive orders. The American Federation of Government Employees, representing over 300,000 VA employees, warned that the changes could deter LGBTQ+ veterans from seeking treatment, particularly mental health services, due to fear of stigmatization or disrespect. The VA currently employs at least one LGBTQ+ care coordinator for each of its 142 health care systems.
Navy TimesVA eliminates gender-identity initiatives, reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an internal memo eliminating all activities related to gender identity and reclassifying LGBTQ+ care coordinators as general 'care coordinators.' The June 12 directive from Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum aims to comply with two 2025 executive orders from President Donald Trump's second term: one ending federal DEI programs and another requiring recognition of only two biological sexes. The memo prohibits VA funds, facilities, or resources from being used for gender-ideology promotion. LGBTQ+ care coordinators at 142 VA health systems will be redesignated. The American Federation of Government Employees union warned the changes could deter LGBTQ+ veterans from seeking treatment, particularly mental health services, due to fears of misgendering or stigma. VA leaders must confirm compliance by June 26.
Marine Corps TimesVA eliminates gender-identity initiatives, reclassifies LGBTQ+ care coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs has issued an internal memo eliminating all activities focused on veterans' gender identities and reclassifying LGBTQ+ care coordinators as generic 'care coordinators.' The June 12 directive from Undersecretary for Health John Bartrum aims to comply with two Trump administration executive orders ending federal DEI programs and recognizing only two biological sexes. VA funds, facilities, and official time can no longer be used for meetings, trainings, or activities promoting 'gender-ideology or gender-identity.' The American Federation of Government Employees warned the changes could drive LGBTQ+ veterans away from treatment, especially mental health services, due to fears of stigmatization. VA leaders must confirm compliance by June 26. The Advocate first obtained the memo.
Army Times