TRENTON, NJ – Some New Jersey area veterans were confused and shocked after the federal government recently asked them to affirm their gender in a 25-minute online survey. That survey polled the veterans about their gender habits and transition-related needs.
It offered 50 different gender choices to choose from.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching a comprehensive survey aimed at understanding the needs of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse military veterans.
The survey targets veterans whether or not they are enrolled in VA care and aims to gather information on their preferences for gender-affirming treatments or services. The survey is confidential, estimated to take about 25 minutes to complete, and has 50 gender options to choose from.
The VA emphasizes that participation in the survey will have no effect on the benefits or services a veteran receives and that all information collected will remain confidential. VA researchers plan to begin contacting eligible veterans for the survey in Fall 2022.
For those who have questions about the survey, the VA has provided a contact number: 206-277-5020. The VA states that the voice of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse veterans is important to them and that the survey is a step toward providing better and more inclusive care.
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) started including multiple gender identity options in its national medical record system as of December 2021. This move comes as a part of the agency’s broader initiative to meet the healthcare needs of all veterans, including those who are transgender or gender diverse.
The new gender identity field now includes options such as transgender male, transgender female, non-binary, other, or does not wish to disclose. This allows VA providers to better understand and offer individualized care to veterans based on their self-identified genders.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough stated that the update aligns with the administration’s vision for a more inclusive government. McDonough emphasized the importance of recognizing all veterans’ self-identified genders for their general well-being and overall health.
This policy change also addresses the experiences of stigma and discrimination that can impact the health of transgender and gender diverse veterans. Along with the new gender identity fields, VA health records will now display both a veteran’s gender identity and preferred name, enabling staff to address each veteran appropriately.