LGBTQ+ Veteran Allyship, Workshop 2 of 3: WDVA LGBTQ+ Veteran Program, Common Yet Harmful Experiences and Washington State Definition of Veteran

Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm

Location: Virtual/Online

Instructor: Robin Lang, WDVA LGBTQ+ Veteran Program Manager

CE credits: Unavailable for this course at this time.

Course Description:

In this workshop, we learn about the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs LGBTQ+ Veterans Program, one of only two legislatively mandated state programs in the nation. We also learn about the recently expanded State of Washington definition of Veteran which allows more veterans to be eligible for state benefits. We will learn how this will impact veterans and address past inequalities.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify resources available to service and benefit providers.
• Identify resources available to LGBTQ+ veterans and families
• Recognize the effects of commonplace but significant behaviors on LGBTQ+ folx.
• Identify the impacts of race, sexual trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury diagnosis, PTSD, mental health disorders, sexual identity and gender identity on accessing benefits
• Understand the impact of Washington State's expanded definition of veteran
• Identify resources for veterans impacted by errors in, or injustices caused by incorrect information in official DoD records
• Recognize pathways available for those impacted by Article 125 convictions, unfavorable discharges and characterization of serve, errors, and injustices.