LGBTQ+ veterans deserve more than a thank you. These groups deliver for them

​SPARTA Pride

This nonprofit supports transgender service members and veterans through peer support, advocacy, and grants, including emergency financial assistance. The group also works with lawmakers and educates the public about transgender Americans’ military service. Under President Donald Trump’s administration, that work has included tracking involuntary separations under the latest trans military ban.

American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER)

Founded in 1990, when openly gay service members were barred from serving, American Veterans for Equal Rights provides a community where LGBTQ+ veterans can take pride in both their service and their identities. The national organization’s chapters connect veterans across the country. After fighting for two decades to end discriminatory service restrictions, including “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the group continues advocating for transgender service members, whose exclusion did not end with that policy’s repeal.

Modern Military Association of America

Formed in 2019, the Modern Military Association of America builds on decades of advocacy by its predecessor organizations, including the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, OutServe, and the American Military Partner Association. Its work supports LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families through policy advocacy, community programs, and resources. Its priorities include transgender military service, the rights of people living with HIV, and support for LGBTQ+ military families.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

This national organization helps veterans with disabilities obtain the benefits and health care they have earned, including LGBTQ+ veterans navigating barriers to care. DAV notes that more than 1 million veterans identify as LGBTQ+ and may face discrimination or uncertainty about available services. Its benefits advocates help veterans understand their eligibility and pursue claims.

That assistance comes amid restrictions on gender-affirming care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Since March 2025, the VA has limited hormone therapy for gender dysphoria to veterans who were already receiving it through the department or who received it through the military as part of service and upon separation and otherwise qualify for VA care. The policy excludes other medical and surgical treatments for gender dysphoria.

Minority Veterans of America

Minority Veterans of America, also known as Minority Vets, operates Q’mmunity House, a transitional housing program for LGBTQ+ veterans in King County, Washington. Its programs also include case management, leadership development, and assistance connecting with community resources. The organization serves underrepresented veterans locally and nationally, advocating for equity and addressing barriers that can prevent them from receiving care and support. Its Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Summit highlights the overlapping challenges these communities face.

Blue Alliance

Founded in 2007, Blue Alliance provides a forum for LGBTQ+ alumni and cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, along with their allies. The organization describes itself as nonpolitical and works with academy staff and Spectrum, the cadet LGBTQ+ club. Its events include dinners, speaker panels, and networking opportunities. Past speakers have included Jared Polis, the openly gay Colorado governor; former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James; and retired Gen. Mark Welsh, a former Air Force chief of staff.

Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA)

The Transgender American Veterans Association advocates for transgender veterans’ access to benefits, health care and dignified treatment. In 2024, the organization sued the Department of Veterans Affairs, seeking action on its long-pending petition to make gender-affirming surgery available through the VA. Its public outreach also highlights transgender veterans’ service and experiences, including through Transgender Day of Visibility observances.

National Institute of Military Justice (NIMJ)

Founded in 1991, the National Institute of Military Justice promotes fairness in the armed forces’ legal system and improves public understanding of military justice. Its work includes filing friend-of-the-court briefs in Supreme Court cases.

The affiliated Trans Representation Project connects transgender, nonbinary, intersex, and other gender-diverse service members with attorneys experienced in military law and LGBTQ+ rights. The referral service assists people facing discharge proceedings, administrative actions, denial of medical care, and other adverse treatment related to their gender identity.