The Minneapolis VA Medical Center is celebrating “Pride” month by flying pride and transgender flags outside its facility.
Secretary Denis Richard McDonough of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs authorized the flying of pride flags above VA facilities for the entirety of June, Brad Doboszenski, a spokesperson with the Minneapolis VA, said in a statement to Alpha News. Biden-nominated Secretary McDonough also served in the Obama Administration as the White House chief of staff.
“VA facilities fly the flag as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of LGBTQ+ veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors, and as a symbol of VA’s commitment to inclusion,” Doboszenski said.
This #PrideMonth know that Pride Counts at VA. Sexual orientation and gender identity matter in health care. Learn more: https://t.co/ncbdXg92lx pic.twitter.com/tWOUzgQwN8
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) June 1, 2023
He added that it’s the VA’s “mission” to provide LGBTQ+ veterans with “the world-class care and benefits they deserve.”
The Minneapolis VA Medical Center offers “psychosocial assessments for gender-confirming surgeries and hormone therapy” for LGBTQ veterans, as well as mental health care and alcohol treatment.
A recent tweet from the Minneapolis VA claims that almost one-fifth of all transgender people have “served in the U.S. military, although the LGBTQIA+ community has not always been seen in research.”
Nearly one out of every five transgender people has served in the U.S. military, although the LGBTQIA+ community has not always been seen in research. Help ensure everyone is seen in research by joining All of Us. Visit https://t.co/heTpE6uJnW or give us a call at (833) 805-0426. pic.twitter.com/8AxfrMdVlC
— Minneapolis VA Health Care System (@VAMinneapolis) June 5, 2023
No service branch flags were replaced with pride flags outside the Minneapolis VA, Doboszenski confirmed.
Osseo school district has faced backlash this month for its decision to fly Pride flags inside all of its buildings starting June 1. The district also intends to “establish a full month before June during each academic year to observe LGBTQIA+ History and Culture Month.”
Rose Williams
Rose Williams is an assistant editor for Alpha News.
