16 Resources
MMAA — successor to OutServe-SLDN, advocating for LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and families. Worth contacting for veterans needing to upgrade discharge status that was downgraded due to LGBTQ+ identity pre-DADT-repeal. VA gender-affirming care has expanded — hormones, mental health, voice training covered; some surgeries available case-by-case. 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
AVER — LGBTQ+ veterans organization advocating for equal rights and benefits. 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 confidentiality-protected.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
VA's LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator program provides culturally competent care at every VAMC. 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. 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
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). 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. Open at no cost to LGBTQ+ Pennsylvania residents and the people supporting them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Apply for VA disability, healthcare, education, and home loans. Manage your claim online. A starting point for LGBTQ+ vets struggling with PTSD, MST, or military-related trauma in affirming spaces. Discharge upgrade applications can be filed through the DRB or BCMR; LGBTQ+-specialized attorneys help pro bono. MST (military sexual trauma) services through VA are available regardless of discharge status or service connection. Free, confidential, and open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
SWAN — advocacy and support for active-duty servicewomen and women veterans including LGBTQ+ women. 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. Over 100,000 service members were discharged under DADT and predecessor policies — most are eligible for discharge upgrades and benefits restoration. All services free of charge to LGBTQ+ Pennsylvania...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free programs for wounded post-9/11 veterans, including LGBTQ+ inclusive mental health and career services. Worth contacting for veterans needing to upgrade discharge status that was downgraded due to LGBTQ+ identity pre-DADT-repeal. 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. Free, confidential, and open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
1-800-342-9647 — free 24/7 confidential support for service members and families, LGBTQ+ inclusive. 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. 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
Free benefits assistance, transportation, and advocacy for disabled veterans of all identities. Relevant for veterans with HIV who need Ryan White services in addition to VA care. 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. Open at no cost to LGBTQ+ Pennsylvania residents and the people...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Historical archive of LGBTQ+ military service publications. Worth contacting for veterans needing to upgrade discharge status that was downgraded due to LGBTQ+ identity pre-DADT-repeal. 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
National nonprofit serving veterans including LGBTQ+ veterans with housing and employment. 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
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. OutServe-SLDN and Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) advocate specifically for LGBTQ+ military. MST (military sexual trauma) services through VA are available regardless of discharge status or service connection. Free, confidential, and open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
VFW posts and resources welcoming LGBTQ+ veterans. Worth contacting for veterans needing to upgrade discharge status that was downgraded due to LGBTQ+ identity pre-DADT-repeal. 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 confidentiality-protected.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Provides emergency assistance, housing, and family programs to military families. Useful for trans veterans seeking gender-affirming care through the VA (now expanded since 2022). Discharge upgrade applications can be filed through the DRB or BCMR; LGBTQ+-specialized attorneys help pro bono. VA caregiver programs (PCAFC) recognize same-sex spouses and chosen-family caregivers equally. All services free of charge to LGBTQ+ Pennsylvania residents and allies.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
TAPS — supports those grieving the loss of a military loved one. 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. Free, confidential, and open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free career coaching and employment services for veterans. 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. Open at no cost to LGBTQ+ Pennsylvania residents and the people supporting them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website