Special Initiatives

LGBTQ+ Veterans

LGBTQ Veterans Review

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the United States Military, including veterans. In 2021, the DMVA showed its support by publicly acknowledging the 10-year anniversary of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) repeal. The DADT led to the discharge of an estimated 14,000 service members during the almost 18 years it was in place.

We continue to remind veterans who were discharged under the now-repealed DADT that they are eligible for VA benefits and reinforced the commonwealth’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the military. For information and assistance on the federal level, visit the VA's LGBTQ service members and veterans page, or Patient Care page. Internally, the DMVA continues to ensure that all six of our veterans homes are certified Service & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE). Additionally, all staff at the homes receive training on Creating Inclusive Communities to better understand and care for our residents. 

PA VETConnect Helps Link Veterans in Need to Helpful Resources

The DMVA works to identify and serve every veteran in need through PA VETConnect, a new and innovative program that connects veterans to the best possible resources for assistance, anywhere in the commonwealth. The DMVA field staff networks in all 67 Pennsylvania counties and are well-versed in the challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Additional LGBTQ+ Resources

LGBTQ+ Federal Resources

US Department of Veterans Affairs | Discharge Upgrade Information https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/introduction
US Department of Veterans Affairs | Center for Minority Veterans https://www.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/
Veterans Health Administration | LGBTQ+ Healthcare Programs https://www.patientcare.va.gov/lgbt
Veterans Benefits Administration | LGBT Veterans Benefits Information https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/lgbt.aspx
US Department of Defense Don't Ask, Don't Tell Resources https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights?Dont-Ask-Dont-Tell-Resources/

Additional LGBTQ+ Resources

Additional Resources Modern Military Association of America educates, advocates, and champions for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families as well as people living with HIV. https://modernmilitary.org
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) LGBTQ+ Veterans Resource Page: https://www.dav.org/get-help-now/veteran-topics-resources/lgbtq-veterans
Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA) engages their members, governmental agencies, other advocacy groups, media and the public to ensure members receive full services and dignified treatment by promoting the values of equality, fairness and respect on behalf of their members and provide a supportive community. https://www.transveteran.org
Minority Vets: https://minorityvets.org

Women Veterans Review

At the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), we take great pride in supporting the commonwealth’s diverse veteran population. Numbering more than 700,000, the DMVA is the fourth largest veteran population in the country. One of the fastest growing demographics among Pennsylvania veterans is women veterans, which numbers nearly 66,000.

The United States of America would not be the greatest military force on the planet without the tremendous contributions of women in uniform. More than 250,000 women service members are stationed throughout the world today and women are breaking barriers while in the military. Women are flying combat missions, commanding troops, graduating from infantry officer courses, attending Ranger School, and so much more. However, women transitioning from active duty to the civilian world often face challenges, including the fallout of military sexual trauma, access to women-specific health care services, and feeling invisible and not self-identifying as a veteran.

The DMVA, in conjunction with a multitude of community partners, is working to connect women veterans to the best possible resources available to meet their needs. The Women Veterans Committee of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Veterans Services led by the DMVA, The Governor's Advisory Council for Veterans Services (GAC-VS) is Pennsylvania’s first interagency collaboration, which strives to enhance the quality of programs and services for the commonwealth’s veterans. The Women Veterans Committee of the GAC-VS works to identify needs of women veterans and provide solutions which include local, statewide and federal resources, programs and services. The committee is chaired by a women veteran who facilitates the committee’s initiatives and provides a brief to the Council members and/or designees during the quarterly meetings.

PA VETConnect Helps Connect Women Veterans to Programs and Services

The DMVA works to link women veterans to benefits they earned through their service to our nation through PA VETConnect. PA VETConnect is a new, innovative program that connects veterans in need to the best possible resources for assistance, anywhere in the commonwealth. The DMVA field staff networks in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, and are well-versed in women veterans issues, what is needed to meet those needs, and the best possible resources available.

Veterans’ Trust Fund Grants Support Women Veteran Advocates

To help support women veterans in need, the DMVA provides grants to various community organizations through the Veterans' Trust Fund (VTF). These grants are awarded to veteran advocates, such as charitable organizations and County Director of Veterans Affairs, whose area of emphasis is supporting Pennsylvania’s diverse veteran population. This includes women veterans who are homeless, unemployed, dealing with mental health challenges, facing financial hardship, looking for educational opportunities, and much more.