A symposium for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender veterans, active duty service members, families, friends and health care providers, focusing on health needs and resources, will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 at the Jesse Brown Veterans Administration Medical Center, 820 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, Illinois. The program runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
The program will explain Veterans Administration services, LGBT health care, the impact of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" on service members, and benefits available to LGBT Veterans. The keynote speaker will be Major Steve Snyder-Hill, U.S. Army veteran and marriage equality activist.
The event is a collaboration between Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, and the American Veterans for Equal Rights Chicago Chapter (gay veterans).
The purpose of the day-long event is to increase awareness of concerns for LGBT veterans and provide information on resources, including Veterans Administration healthcare. Topics will be covered throughout the day, including general LGBT health, transitioning home, benefits, and how to advocate for your health. Social workers seeking continuing education can earn 3.5 CEU's.
Program Schedule
8:00 9:00 Registration/Check-in
9:00 9:15 Color Guard/Welcome
9:15 10:00 Keynote Speaker Major Steve Snyder-Hill
10:00 10:15 Break/Exhibit area open
10:15 11:00 Overview of LGBT Care Advocating for your Health
11:00 11:15 Break/Exhibit area open
11:15 12:00 Psychological Effects of the repeal of DADT Reintegration after Active Duty service
12:00 12:45 Lunch
12:45 1:30 Veteran Speaker Panel
1:30 1:45 Break/Exhibit area open
1:45 2:30 Overview of Transgender healthcare Overview of VA Health Services and Programs
2:30 2:45 Break/Exhibit area open
2:45 3:30 VA Benefits and the Defense of Marriage Act
3:30 4:00 Closing Remarks/Taps/Evaluation
To register for the event, please email Lorry Luscri or Jenny Garretson at lorry.luscri@va.gov or jenny.garretson@va.gov .