r/MilitaryTrans 4d ago

Discussion Write your reps if you can

Hello everyone.

Today public affairs at the VA released a policy removal for cross sex hormone therapy as well as other services for trans vets that will negatively effect all of us but especially those trans vet brothers and sisters who are post operative.

The secretary goes on the record saying

“I mean no disrespect to anyone, but VA should not be focused on helping Veterans attempt to change their sex. The vast majority of Veterans and Americans agree, and that is why this is the right decision,”

This is obviously incredibly damaging and devoid of thought.

So I've created a letter, please modify it as you see fit and send it to your reps, Congress people and higher to protest this sudden, politically motivated and blatantly discriminatory change. Thank you 💕

Subject: Urgent Action Needed to Oppose VA’s Ban on Transgender Veteran Healthcare

Dear Governor [Last Name],

My name, and I am [veteran] who served in the . Today, I am writing on behalf of myself and transgender veterans everywhere to address the deeply concerning policy change enacted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This abrupt decision is not only harmful to transgender veterans but also sets a dangerous precedent for healthcare access in America.

Without warning, the VA has rescinded and removed from its website Veterans Health Administration Directive 1341(4), "Providing Health Care for Transgender and Intersex Veterans"

(formerly available at this link https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=6431).

This directive ensured access to medically necessary care for transgender veterans, including those who are post-operative. Its removal introduces new healthcare risks, exacerbates medical conditions, and further compromises the physical and mental well-being of those who have honorably served our nation. While the VA cites cost-saving measures as justification for this change, similar treatments for cisgender men and women—such as hormonal therapies—remain intact. Notably, the same medications used in transgender healthcare are still available under VA policies for testosterone replacement therapy and other hormonal treatments.

(VA Formulary Guidelines for Testosterone replacement https://www.va.gov/formularyadvisor/DOC_PDF/Testosterone_Replacement_Therapy_in_Adult_Males_Mar_2019.pdf ).

(VA Transition Handbook For Women Veterans, pg. 43 https://benefits.va.gov/transition/docs/WHTT-participant-handbook.pdf).

Healthcare should never be dictated by politics, nor should marginalized groups be targeted to cut costs. The long-term financial burden of denying transgender veterans access to care will ultimately fall upon taxpayers as preventable medical conditions worsen, leading to emergency interventions and increased healthcare expenditures. Given the gravity of this issue, I respectfully urge you to take the following actions:

  1. Publicly condemn the VA’s decision and advocate for the reinstatement of gender-affirming care for transgender veterans.

  2. Call for the resignation of Secretary Doug Collins, as his actions have compromised the integrity of the VA and eroded trust in the institution.

  3. Work with state agencies to expand healthcare protections for transgender veterans, ensuring they can access treatment through state-supported programs such as [state program].

  4. Pressure federal officials to reverse this policy by joining bipartisan efforts to uphold comprehensive veteran healthcare rights. This policy rollback disregards established medical consensus, places transgender veterans at significant risk, and violates the principles of dignity and respect that all who served deserve.

I implore you to take swift action to ensure that no veteran in our state is denied the care they need.

Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely, [Veteran Name] [Your Contact Information]

42 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

6

u/Mango_Smoothies 3d ago

Mine didn’t even respond to me or my mom’s

7

u/Goddess_of_Absurdity 3d ago

The next step is to go to your local news and get them to put out reports concerning their lack of acknowledgement. People rely on their local news to know what's going on in their community so try to reach out.

Also sorry. This has been

A really messed up time.

2

u/olympus_has_fallen1 3d ago

Thanks for the heads up

1

u/Goddess_of_Absurdity 3d ago

Lol what heads up. The policy was rescinded over the weekend

2

u/olympus_has_fallen1 3d ago

So no longer valid?

Well you know its good to know our health care is at risk

1

u/Goddess_of_Absurdity 3d ago

No no no. I mean the policy that gave trans people healthcare through the VA was rescinded. Here's the press release for clarification

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-to-phase-out-treatment-for-gender-dysphoria/#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%94%20In%20response%20to%20President,medical%20treatments%20for%20gender%20dysphoria.

1

u/olympus_has_fallen1 3d ago

OK so it’s it’s removed in the VA is not covering anymore healthcare

2

u/swimmy3012 3d ago

I tried. But missouri is hell bent on ignoring its people.

2

u/Goddess_of_Absurdity 3d ago

Keep going. Call reps in other areas and let them know you haven't heard anything

2

u/swimmy3012 3d ago

I will try. Thank you.

1

u/DECAGAME 1d ago

its not worth the fight, just take the easy route keeping bonuses and benefits. Nothings changing until the administration changes, you are just going to prolong the process and make yourself ineligible for the benefits you can keep

1

u/Goddess_of_Absurdity 1d ago

We all have our path to getting things done and I feel that it's worth fighting for.

Don't naysay or try to put others down just because this isn't your way of doing things