LGBT Program
VA is committed to a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We understand
that diversity and inclusion are essential for a high performing organization that
delivers the best service to our Veterans. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
(LGBT) community is an integral aspect of our human diversity. To that end, VA has
implemented several policies and programs over the last few years that specifically
address the needs and concerns of the LGBT community. Since 2009, VA has included
equal employment opportunity protections for employees on the basis of sexual orientation
in the Secretary’s Annual EEO, Diversity, and No FEAR Policy Statement. The
most recent such Policy Statement signed by the Secretary of VA on June 13, 2011,
added protections based on gender identity and parental status as well. To complement
this, VA developed and implemented an internal complaint process to provide employees
with an internal avenue of redress for complaints based on these areas:
“VA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color,
religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, parental status, sexual
orientation, age, disability, genetic information, or retaliation for opposing discriminatory
practices or participating in the discrimination complaint process. This applies
to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions,
transfers, reassignments, training, career development, benefits, and separation…
While sexual orientation, gender identity, and parental status are not listed as
protected bases in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, discrimination on these bases
is strictly prohibited by VA. Complaints of discrimination filed on these bases
will be processed according to the aforementioned Federal EEO complaint process
up to and through the investigation stage of the EEO process. The VA Office of Employment
Discrimination Complaint Adjudication will issue a Final Agency Decision on the
merits of the claim within 60 days of its receipt of the complaint file. Complaints
filed solely on this basis will not proceed to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission. Other avenues of redress available to raise a claim of discrimination
based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or parental status include the Negotiated
or Administrative Grievance Procedure. Both permit claims of discrimination, and
if otherwise appealable, raising the matter with the Office of Special Counsel and/or
the Merit Systems Protection Board if the claim of discrimination is coupled with
adverse impact and/or prohibited personnel practices. While a discrimination allegation
may be raised with these avenues, it does not constitute initiation of a complaint
through this internal complaint process, and it does not extend the 45-day time
limited to initiate such complaint with [the VA Office of Resolution Management].”
[See the complete VA EEO Policy.]
ODI is leading the effort to increase education and awareness of the LGBT community
by establishing a formal LGBT special emphasis program. To enhance that program,
an LGBT employee resource group under the auspices of the VA Diversity Council was
also established. ODI held its third annual nationally broadcast VA-wide LGBT Observance
Program in Washington, DC last June focusing on LGBT Veterans. Additionally, we
are developing cultural competency training in this area for employees, supervisors,
and managers, VA-wide.
In the area of health care delivery, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is
committed to a patient-centered approach that organizes services around the needs
and values of the LGBT Veterans. To that end, in 2010, VA issued a policy statement
last June providing for patient visitation rights in support of the needs of LGBT
family members. Last June, VHA issued a policy directive on respectful delivery
of health care to transgender and intersex individuals, and is currently providing
training for health care providers on services for transgender Veterans.
Each VA employee who interacts with Veteran patients is expected to demonstrate
our core values of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and excellence. As public
servants, VA employees have an obligation to remain respectful and courteous to
all patients without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex,
age, mental or physical disability or sexual orientation. VA will continue to ensure
that we provide an environment where veterans can receive the health care and benefits
they have earned.
Future activities planned include expanded cultural competency training on LGBT
issues, developing an inclusive language guide, and standing up an Office of Health
Equity to address LGBT health care issues, among others.
Program-Related Links
