Communication Between VA Providers and Sexual and Gender Minority Veterans: A Pilot Study

Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) Veterans participated in a focus group or individual interview and completed self-report measures about their experiences, beliefs and preferences in communicating with VA healthcare providers. Results indicate that participants reported experiencing the VA as welcoming to sexual minority Veterans, although the majority of providers did not assessed their sexual orientation. Veterans reported a variety of fears related to disclosing their sexual orientation.