In yet another devastating blow to the transgender community, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it will phase out medical treatments for gender dysphoria in response to President Trump’s latest executive order, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. This policy shift strips transgender veterans of crucial healthcare services, a move that will undoubtedly have lasting consequences on the mental and physical well-being of those who have already sacrificed so much for their country.
Under the executive order, Trump’s administration mandates that “the United States recognize two sexes, male and female,” dismissing the legitimacy of transgender identities outright. VA Secretary Doug Collins defended the decision, claiming that “all savings VA achieves by stopping specific medical treatments for gender dysphoria will be redirected to help severely injured VA beneficiaries—such as paralyzed Veterans and amputees—regain their independence.”
The VA has clarified that, effective immediately, it will no longer offer cross-sex hormone therapy to veterans diagnosed with gender dysphoria unless they were already receiving such treatment through the VA or had begun treatment while still in military service. The department also confirmed that it will no longer provide gender-affirming care such as voice therapy, prosthetics like chest binders and breast forms, or letters of support for gender-affirming surgeries.
In a tweet posted today, VA Secretary Doug Collins doubled down on the administration’s stance, stating:
“VA is phasing out treatment for gender dysphoria. All savings from this change will go toward helping paralyzed Veterans and amputees. I mean no disrespect to anyone, but if Veterans want to attempt to change their sex, they can do so on their own dime.”
This callous dismissal of transgender veterans’ healthcare needs is just the latest in the Trump administration’s ongoing attacks on the trans community. While Collins claims “no disrespect,” the implications of this decision are clear: transgender veterans are being told their healthcare needs are not as important as those of their cisgender counterparts.
A Betrayal of Transgender Veterans
Transgender individuals have served in the U.S. military for generations, often in silence, due to discriminatory policies. Many have risked their lives in combat, and many more continue to serve despite systemic challenges. The VA’s announcement effectively abandons them, forcing those who rely on gender-affirming care to either pay out of pocket or go without.
Research has repeatedly shown that gender-affirming medical care significantly reduces rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among transgender individuals. By cutting access to these life-saving treatments, the VA is endangering the very veterans it claims to support.
“This is an outright betrayal of our trans veterans,” said a former Army medic and transgender veteran, who asked to remain anonymous. “We served our country just like anyone else. We risked our lives to serve our country. And now, the VA is saying we don’t deserve basic healthcare because of who we are?”
Weaponizing ‘Savings’ Against Transgender Care
The Trump administration’s framing of this policy as a cost-saving measure is not only misleading but deeply offensive. The VA itself admits that transgender veterans make up less than one-tenth of one percent of the 9.1 million enrolled in its healthcare system. The claim that cutting transgender care will lead to significant savings is both disingenuous and cruel.
Furthermore, the notion that funds should be redirected from transgender healthcare to support paralyzed veterans and amputees creates a false moral dichotomy. It pits marginalized groups against each other, suggesting that the rights and needs of one group must come at the expense of another. Every veteran deserves comprehensive healthcare—this administration’s attempt to turn veterans against each other is a blatant political maneuver designed to justify discrimination.
What This Means for Trans Veterans
For transgender veterans who have relied on the VA for gender-affirming healthcare, the future is uncertain. Those who are currently receiving hormone therapy may continue their treatments, but any veteran seeking care for gender dysphoria going forward will be denied. Mental health services will continue, but without access to comprehensive gender-affirming care, these services will do little to mitigate the harm caused by this policy shift.
The VA’s announcement also confirms that its LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator program will remain in place, but without access to gender-affirming treatments, the role of these coordinators will be significantly weakened.
The Bigger Picture: A Pattern of Anti-Trans Policy
This latest attack on transgender rights is part of a larger pattern of policies aimed at erasing trans people from public life. From banning transgender individuals from military service to rolling back protections in healthcare, housing, and education, the Trump administration has made its stance on trans rights painfully clear.
Advocacy groups and LGBTQ+ organizations are already mobilizing to challenge the VA’s decision, but the damage has already begun. Many transgender veterans will now face increased financial and logistical barriers to accessing necessary medical care, leading to increased rates of untreated dysphoria, mental health crises, and even suicide.
Where Do We Go From Here?
This is a critical time for transgender veterans and their allies. The fight for trans-inclusive healthcare in the VA system is far from over, and organizations such as the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA) and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) are urging trans veterans to reach out, share their stories, and demand accountability from lawmakers.
“This is not just about healthcare,” said one veteran activist. “This is about dignity. This is about acknowledging that trans people exist, that we serve, that we sacrifice, and that we deserve to be treated with the same respect as any other veteran.”
The message from the Trump administration is clear: transgender veterans are not a priority. But the message from the transgender community and its allies must be even louder: we will not be erased.
If you are a transgender veteran affected by this policy change, resources and advocacy support are available. Visit TAVA, NCTE, or reach out to local LGBTQ+ health organizations for assistance.
