16 Resources
MMAA — successor to OutServe-SLDN, advocating for LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and families. For LGBTQ+ veterans of all eras, surviving spouses, and the families helping them access VA benefits. VA mental health includes specific LGBTQ+ training; ask for an affirming provider at intake. Over 100,000 service members were discharged under DADT and predecessor policies — most are eligible for discharge upgrades and benefits restoration. Free, confidential, and open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
AVER — LGBTQ+ veterans organization advocating for equal rights and benefits. For LGBTQ+ veterans of all eras, surviving spouses, and the families helping them access VA benefits. VFW, American Legion, and DAV posts vary in welcome; affirming-veteran orgs help you find ones that fit. Trans veterans can change gender markers on DD-214 and VA records via established procedure. Free, confidential, and open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
VA's LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator program provides culturally competent care at every VAMC. Worth contacting for veterans needing to upgrade discharge status that was downgraded due to LGBTQ+ identity pre-DADT-repeal. VFW, American Legion, and DAV posts vary in welcome; affirming-veteran orgs help you find ones that fit. MST (military sexual trauma) services through VA are available regardless of discharge status or service connection. No cost — the program is grant-funded and...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
TAVA — supports trans and gender non-conforming veterans seeking VA care and military service rights. Useful for trans veterans seeking gender-affirming care through the VA (now expanded since 2022). VA gender-affirming care has expanded — hormones, mental health, voice training covered; some surgeries available case-by-case. MST (military sexual trauma) services through VA are available regardless of discharge status or service connection. No cost — the program is grant-funded and...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Apply for VA disability, healthcare, education, and home loans. Manage your claim online. Useful for trans veterans seeking gender-affirming care through the VA (now expanded since 2022). VFW, American Legion, and DAV posts vary in welcome; affirming-veteran orgs help you find ones that fit. Trans veterans can change gender markers on DD-214 and VA records via established procedure. Open at no cost to LGBTQ+ Ohio residents and the people supporting them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
SWAN — advocacy and support for active-duty servicewomen and women veterans including LGBTQ+ women. For LGBTQ+ veterans of all eras, surviving spouses, and the families helping them access VA benefits. Discharge upgrade applications can be filed through the DRB or BCMR; LGBTQ+-specialized attorneys help pro bono. Over 100,000 service members were discharged under DADT and predecessor policies — most are eligible for discharge upgrades and benefits restoration. Free, confidential, and open to anyone in...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free programs for wounded post-9/11 veterans, including LGBTQ+ inclusive mental health and career services. Useful for trans veterans seeking gender-affirming care through the VA (now expanded since 2022). VFW, American Legion, and DAV posts vary in welcome; affirming-veteran orgs help you find ones that fit. Trans veterans can change gender markers on DD-214 and VA records via established procedure. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
1-800-342-9647 — free 24/7 confidential support for service members and families, LGBTQ+ inclusive. Relevant for veterans with HIV who need Ryan White services in addition to VA care. VA mental health includes specific LGBTQ+ training; ask for an affirming provider at intake. LGBTQ+ veteran courts and treatment programs exist in some jurisdictions for justice-involved vets. No cost — the program is grant-funded and confidentiality-protected.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free benefits assistance, transportation, and advocacy for disabled veterans of all identities. Useful for trans veterans seeking gender-affirming care through the VA (now expanded since 2022). VA mental health includes specific LGBTQ+ training; ask for an affirming provider at intake. Trans veterans can change gender markers on DD-214 and VA records via established procedure. Free, confidential, and open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Historical archive of LGBTQ+ military service publications. For LGBTQ+ veterans of all eras, surviving spouses, and the families helping them access VA benefits. Discharge upgrade applications can be filed through the DRB or BCMR; LGBTQ+-specialized attorneys help pro bono. LGBTQ+ veteran courts and treatment programs exist in some jurisdictions for justice-involved vets. Free, confidential, and open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nationwide · Online
National nonprofit serving veterans including LGBTQ+ veterans with housing and employment. Worth contacting for veterans needing to upgrade discharge status that was downgraded due to LGBTQ+ identity pre-DADT-repeal. Discharge upgrade applications can be filed through the DRB or BCMR; LGBTQ+-specialized attorneys help pro bono. Trans veterans can change gender markers on DD-214 and VA records via established procedure. All services free of charge to LGBTQ+ Ohio residents and allies.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Founded for women veterans (including LGBTQ+) experiencing homelessness. A starting point for LGBTQ+ vets struggling with PTSD, MST, or military-related trauma in affirming spaces. VFW, American Legion, and DAV posts vary in welcome; affirming-veteran orgs help you find ones that fit. VA caregiver programs (PCAFC) recognize same-sex spouses and chosen-family caregivers equally. Free, confidential, and open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
VFW posts and resources welcoming LGBTQ+ veterans. Useful for trans veterans seeking gender-affirming care through the VA (now expanded since 2022). OutServe-SLDN and Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) advocate specifically for LGBTQ+ military. Trans veterans can change gender markers on DD-214 and VA records via established procedure. Open at no cost to LGBTQ+ Ohio residents and the people supporting them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Provides emergency assistance, housing, and family programs to military families. Relevant for veterans with HIV who need Ryan White services in addition to VA care. OutServe-SLDN and Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) advocate specifically for LGBTQ+ military. Trans veterans can change gender markers on DD-214 and VA records via established procedure. No cost — the program is grant-funded and confidentiality-protected.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
TAPS — supports those grieving the loss of a military loved one. For LGBTQ+ veterans of all eras, surviving spouses, and the families helping them access VA benefits. VFW, American Legion, and DAV posts vary in welcome; affirming-veteran orgs help you find ones that fit. VA caregiver programs (PCAFC) recognize same-sex spouses and chosen-family caregivers equally. Open at no cost to LGBTQ+ Ohio residents and the people supporting them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free career coaching and employment services for veterans. A starting point for LGBTQ+ vets struggling with PTSD, MST, or military-related trauma in affirming spaces. VA gender-affirming care has expanded — hormones, mental health, voice training covered; some surgeries available case-by-case. VA caregiver programs (PCAFC) recognize same-sex spouses and chosen-family caregivers equally. Free, confidential, and open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website