The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has rescinded Directive 1341, a 2018 policy that ensured respectful and clinically appropriate healthcare for transgender, nonbinary, and intersex veterans. This reversal, revealed by The Advocate, aligns with President Trump’s “Defending Women” executive order, which recognizes only two sexes.
Directive 1341 had provided protections against discrimination, guaranteed access to hormone therapy and mental health support, and allowed veterans to use VA facilities according to their gender identity. Internal VA documents show changes to facility signage and room assignments, now based strictly on “sex.”
Despite VA claims of continued care, concerns arise over vague language and potential future restrictions. A VA doctor, speaking anonymously, expressed fears of increased suicide risks and deterred care-seeking among transgender veterans. Internal surveillance concerns have also surfaced, with staff reporting monitoring software installations.
The rescission has drawn condemnation from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including Minority Veterans of America, SPARTA, and the Modern Military Association of America, who call it a “betrayal” with “catastrophic mental and physical health consequences.” Research from the Williams Institute highlights that transgender people serve in the military at nearly twice the rate of their cisgender peers and experience significantly higher rates of discrimination, mental health challenges, and barriers to care.
The VA’s action has prompted protests and resignations, with former VA psychologist Dr. Mary Brinkmeyer citing the executive order as the driving force behind the policy change. The VA’s website now reflects the rescission, listing “Rescission of VHA Directive 1341(4), Providing Health Care for Transgender and Intersex Veterans,” with a March 14 issue date.
