2SLGBTQIA+ Military Service Members and Veterans
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To our 2SLGBTQIA+ military personnel and veterans, thank you for your service.
2SLGBTQIA+ people have served in the military since it's conception, but historically, and currently, experience discrimination when serving their country. These brave service members deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
We know that federal executive orders and actions that target 2SLGBTQIA+ military service members are deeply impacting our community. The Washington State LGBTQ Commission stands with the individuals and families that have been impacted by these orders. This page is meant to help connect you to recent news, resources, and state agency support.
Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown has co-authored an amicus brief supporting personnel seeking to overturn President Trump's transgender military service ban. Attorney General Brown has said this order "“not only violates the Constitution…but it will also weaken our nation’s military, including the National Guards operated by all Amici States.”
Recent news articles around 2SLGBTQIA+ military members and veterans.
Forced out because she’s transgender, Fairchild technical sergeant awaits ‘voluntary separation’ [7/6/25 - The Spokesman-Review]
- Spokesman-Review article on impact of transgender military ban here in Washington state.
Navy will rename the USNS Harvey Milk, named for LGBTQ rights pioneer [6/3/25 - NBC]
- News about the decision by the Trump administration to rename the USNS Harvey Milk.
Up to 1,000 transgender troops are being separated from the military in new Pentagon order [5/8/25 - PBS]
- News on how transgender people are being separated from their service in the military.
Supreme Court upholds Trump's ban on transgender military members as appeals continue [5/7/25 - NPR]
- Update on the transgender military ban's legal status, as the U.S. Supreme Court upholds the ban while arguments continue in lower courts.
Recent statements from agencies and community organizations supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ military members and veterans.
From the Washington State Attorney General:
Attorneys general oppose Trump ban on transgender military service, May 30, 2025
Washington stands with trans military personnel in multi-state amicus filing, Feb 26, 2025
From Community Organizations:
Digital guides and tools that support 2SLGBTQIA+ military members and veterans.
- AVER provides resources and information for LGBT armed forces veterans. Supports include limit legal consultation, a veteran's benefits e-mail discussion group, and connections with other organizations.
Understanding Trump's Trans Military Ban
- Information from Advocates for Trans Equality on the impact of the transgender military ban.
- Information and resources from HRC on transgender people serving in the military.
- Resource from Modern Military on public comments and how you can get involved in this aspect of civic engagement.
Advocacy 101: How to Speak Up for LGBTQ+ Service Members and Veterans
- Article from Modern Military for those interested in advocating for LGBTQ+ service members and veterans.
Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
- HRC information on the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
Serving in Silence: LGBTQ+ Veterans
- Stories of LGBTQ+ veterans from the Library of Congress.
Studies, Reports, and Data around 2SLGBTQIA+ military members and veterans.
- Published in 2020 in the Journal of Traumatic Stress.
LGBTQ+ Military Members and Veterans Face Economic, Housing, and Health Insecurities
- Article from the Center for American Progress in 2022.
Articles, FAQ sheets and more around 2SLGBTQIA+ military members and veterans.
Advocacy 101: How to Speak Up for LGBTQ+ Service Members and Veterans
- Article from Modern Military for those interested in advocating for LGBTQ+ service members and veterans.
Celebrating the Strength of LGBTQ+ Military Youth: Navigating Challenges with Pride and Resilience
- Article from Modern Military about LGBTQ+ youth in military families and youth in LGBTQ+ military families.
Podcasts featuring 2SLGBTQIA+ military members and veterans.
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Videos, movies, and documentaries about 2SLGBTQIA+ military members and veterans.
Please note that some might not be free resources and might require a subscription service to view.
Transgender service members navigate Trump's military ban
- ABC News meets with a transgender service member impacted by the transgender military ban.
Organizations focused on 2SLGBTQIA+ military members and veterans.
American Veterans for Equal Rights
- AVER is a national LGBT Veterans Service Organization with chapters across the country providing support and resources to LGBT armed forces veterans.
Modern Military Association of America
- Education and advocacy organization for LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families as well as people living with HIV. They host monthly military community meetings with PFLAG.
- Nonprofit supporting and advocating for underrepresented veterans, including LGBTQ+ veterans.
- Organization for transgender service members or veterans in the U.S. military.
Resources across Washington state agencies that could be helpful for 2SLGBTQIA+ military members and veterans.
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs - LGBTQ+ Veterans
- Robin Lang, WDVA's LGBTQ+ Veterans Outreach Coordinator, is here to help LGBTQ+ veterans in Washington state. Whether you need help with getting connected to your benefits or upgrading your discharge status if you were given an other-than-honorable discharge under the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy, WDVA is here to assist.
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
- WDVA is Washington's state agency dedicated to helping veterans and their family members with benefits and services earned through military service.
Veterans Benefit Enhancement Program (VBEP) - Making Sure Veterans Get the Benefits They Deserve
- VBEP is a partnership between WDVA and the HCA to help veterans access the benefits they are eligible for.
- Resources from WDVA on housing for veterans.
Veterans and family members - Washington Health Care Authority
- HCA provides information on veterans' healthcare resources.
RCW 43.60A.240 - LGBTQ Coordinator created for Washington Department of Veterans Affairs
- Mandates that an LGBTQ+ Veterans Outreach Coordinator position is made in WDVA to assist and support LGBTQ+ veterans and their families. For more information, visit WDVA's LGBTQ+ Veterans page here.
Under RCW 43.114.050, the duties of the LGBTQ Commission include providing a clearinghouse for information regarding both state and federal legislation as it relates to our purpose and providing resource and referral information to agencies and the public. While the LGBTQ Commission does not provide direct services, we work to connect constituents with affirming supports across the state through our collaboration with state agencies and community organizations. If you can't find what you are looking for here, reach out to contact@lgbtq.wa.gov or use our contact form and a Commission staff member will get back to you.