FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2026
June 17, 2026
Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-374-6491
[email protected]
Largest VA Union Slams Agency for Turning Backs on Diversity, Inclusion, and Representation for All Veterans
Categories:
VA, LGBT, Women's & Fair Practices
AFGE speaking out after new memo orders reclassification of LGBTQ+ coordinators and prohibits gender identity discussions at VA facilities
WASHINGTON – The largest union representing federal employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs is speaking out in response to new agency orders designed to suppress the rights of veterans within the LGBTQ+ community and the federal employees tasked with ensuring their health and safety.
In a June 12 memo to senior leaders and directors, VA Undersecretary of Health John Bartrum announced a series of immediate changes being made to adhere with executive orders President Trump issued early in his current term targeting federal programs related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) as well as programs that serve the country’s two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual communities (2SLGBTQIA+).
Bartrum’s memo reclassifies veteran care coordinators who were hired to specifically support LGBTQ+ veterans to roles as general care coordinators, prohibits the use of VA funds or facilities to discuss gender identity programs, and orders employees to adhere to uniform and attire standards that may not align with their identities. Changes in working conditions must be negotiated with AFGE prior to implementation. The union will hold VA accountable for its labor obligations.
AFGE PRIDE Chair Tiffany McPherson, who also is vice president of AFGE Local 96 representing VA employees in St. Louis, Mo., issued the following statement in response to the memo:
“This memo isn’t just another policy update. It’s a reminder that bigoted leaders are still up there making decisions. It’s a slap in the face to the union members who represent their fellow employees and to the veterans from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who receive their care from the VA.
“You can’t erase people with a memo. You can only send the message that their identities, experiences, and safety don’t matter. For a lot of 2SLGBTQIA+ veterans, this creates fear around trying to get care at all. Some will avoid treatment – especially mental health services – out of fear of being misgendered, stigmatized, or treated with disrespect. For a community already facing higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide, those consequences aren’t hypothetical – they’re real and the agency knows it.
“The VA knew these risks before issuing this memo, so what does it say when leadership moves forward anyway? These actions don’t just impact veterans. This sends a chilling effect to all employees to keep them from speaking up – discouraging inclusive behavior and creating a workplace culture built on fear and silence.
“Dignity isn’t an ideology, and respect isn’t political. No veteran should have to choose between being seen for who they are and receiving the care they earned through their service. They fought for us, so we fight for them – all of them.”
AFGE National Vice President for Women and Fair Practices Kendrick Roberson issued the following statement:
“Dismantling the LGBTQIA+ veteran care coordinator roles is an extension of the immoral attacks on DEIA, and is a direct assault on civil rights. These specialized services are lifesaving for heroes who already faced unique hostility during their military service. We have an unwavering obligation to protect the specialized care they earned.”
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