Amid ongoing ambiguity regarding President Donald Trump’s prohibition on transgender individuals serving in the military, a significant number of LGBTQ+ service members and veterans convened on Monday at the San Diego LGBT Community Center in Hillcrest. They participated in a groundbreaking workshop designed to provide resources, legal advice, and support.
For individuals such as Valerie Swift, a 26-year-old Navy petty officer who chose to leave voluntarily, the journey has been marked by uncertainty and a lack of clarity. Swift expressed her ongoing concern as she has yet to receive a termination date from the Navy, fearing the potential loss of health care that has been a crucial support for her over the years.
“For me, the most important issue is health care,” Swift stated. “I have yet to receive a definitive response.”
The Center, in collaboration with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), hosted the workshop. This event marked a significant milestone for CalVet’s Transition Assistance Program, as it was the agency's inaugural effort focused exclusively on supporting transgender and LGBTQ+ veterans, in addition to all exiting service members.
“Our stance has consistently been clear regarding our commitment to connecting veterans with various community services: we are here,” stated Roberto Herrera, CalVet’s deputy secretary for veteran services. “The importance of the action underscores the necessity for a more specialized approach.”
In 2019, an executive order issued by Trump, titled Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness, declared transgender service members as unfit for military duty. Despite a temporary halt from a federal court, the Supreme Court ultimately permitted the policy to be implemented in May. Soldiers received a directive offering them the option to voluntarily separate with honorable discharges, while also facing the possibility of being forcibly removed under ambiguous circumstances.
On Monday, the event showcased panels led by state and local organizations, providing participants with insights into VA benefit claims, mental health services, and legal resources. Approximately 30 service members, veterans, and advocates gathered for the event, where resource tables were organized to assist with navigating insurance and benefits.
Pamuela Halliwell, the behavioral health director at The Center, highlighted the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ service members as they transition out of the military, often grappling with issues of identity and access to benefits. Halliwell, discharged in 2007 under the controversial policy, shared with attendees the impact of her forced separation, highlighting the loss of access to VA benefits that followed.
Organizers expressed their aspirations to host comparable events moving forward.
Kora Delta, a veteran of the Air Force who decided to separate this month, emphasized the importance of workshops like this for individuals who find themselves having to leave unexpectedly. “It’s quite a challenge; it’s an entirely different situation,” she remarked. “A significant number of individuals will be making transitions, and they will require those resources.”
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