LGBTQ
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
DOD is committed to increasing its efforts to reach LGBTQ+ veterans discharged under less than honorable conditions for homosexual conduct prior to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to ensure they are aware of the process to request a correction to their military record.
Message from DOD:
On Sept. 20, 2023, DOD announced it will proactively review military records of veterans whose military records indicate their administrative separation was the result of their sexual orientation and who received a less than honorable conditions discharge.
The department will first identify veterans discharged during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" period (1994-2011) and then take steps to retrieve their relevant military records, for example from the National Archives. After a preliminary review and an assessment that an upgrade in discharge may be warranted, DOD will transmit the names to the service secretaries for consideration and potential correction through the Military Department Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCM/NR).
This new initiative will significantly simplify the process for DADT veterans and demonstrates the department's continued focus on Taking Care of Our People.
PFLAG Connects: Military Community
Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families.
Welcome to PFLAG Connects: Military Community! These safe, virtual, moderated monthly meetings, in partnership with our friends at Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) are open to parents, family members, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who are also part of the military community. Each meeting will be led by current/former service members or military spouses who will guide you in receiving support, giving support, and finding resources to help you, your family, and your community. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please click the registration link. You can also find additional resources below.
Blue Alliance
Today the mission of Blue Alliance is to provide educational and consultative resources that support and develop leadership and development programs of the Air Force Academy. We are proud to serve and support the mission of the Air Force Academy for ALL cadets, regardless of gender or orientation. We facilitate professional networking and mentorship for LGBT+ cadets, alumni, veterans, and employees of USAFA and the US Air Force. Since 19 October 2007, Blue Alliance has maintained status as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.
Blue Alliance prides itself on maintaining working relationships with Academy leadership and for advocating inclusion and respect. Blue Alliance does not comment on political matters.
Spectrum Club
Provides a support network for gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and questioning cadets and allies, and creates an educational experience for all cadets dedicated to the retention, development, and commissioning of culturally and socially competent junior officers.
Blue Alliance helped the Spectrum club take flight in 2012. It is an active and thriving cadet club and affinity group open to LGBTQ cadets and their allies and supporters. Spectrum is guided and supported through both a CIC and an OIC.
Instagram Page: USAFA Spectrum (@usafaspectrum)
Modern Military Association of America
The American Military Partner Association is the nation’s largest resource and support network for the partners, spouses, families, and allies of America’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) service members and veterans. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by the partners of active duty service members, AMPA has grown to the strength of over 50,000 members and supporters and is proud to be leading the nation in education, advocacy, and support for our modern military families. Through our unprecedented work, we’re building strong resource and support networks like no other.
LGBTQ Veteran Care Coordinator Locator Tool
There is an LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (LGBTQ+ VCC) in every VA health care system to help you get the care you need. VHA policies require that your health care is delivered in an affirming and inclusive environment and that VHA employees respect your identity.
The LGBTQ+ VCC can answer your questions, advocate for your right to quality care, handle complaints or concerns you have about your care, and help you get started with services for LGBTQ+ Veterans. Below is a directory of LGBTQ+ VCCby state and U.S. territory. Click on the needed state.
Project New Hope
Project New Hope was founded in 2010 and established in January 2011 by a disabled Air Force Veteran, William H. (Bill) Moore M.A. Our vision is one of hope for every Service Member, Veteran, Gold Star Honoree, Survivor and Wounded Warrior who has felt the impact of military service. We offer the chance for a full life without judgement for you, your spouse or partner and your children.
Project New Hope believes in the healing power of mutual support, targeted services and the camaraderie of friends. We welcome Veterans of all eras from across the United States. They have specific retreats for women veterans as well as LGBTQ veterans retreats.
SPART*A
SPART*A is a group of LGBT people who currently serve or have served in the military and our families as well as veteran and uniformed allies. We are a membership organization, built by, for and with members from all parts of the LGBT military community. SPART*A’s mission is to advocate for and support our actively serving LGBT military members and veterans, and their families, while working to ensure the military provides equal opportunity for all service members regardless of race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.
American Veterans for Equal Rights
AVER Veterans Affairs is dedicated to advocating and serving the needs of America’s LGBT armed forces veterans with information, referral, and limited legal consultation regarding VA benefits claims. If you have specific questions about veterans benefits eligibility or your rights as an LGBT American armed forces veteran, you may contact us directly and we will do our best to provide information and referral and point you in the right direction to resolve your issues. AVER Veterans Affairs is offering limited legal consultation to LGBT.