It’s Veteran’s Day here in the U.S., which means my veteran spouse deserves an especially nice dinner tonight. Here are some other ways to support veterans, LGBTQ and not.
- Thank the veterans you know. Whether it’s an older relative who served in World War II or someone who has served more recently, thank them for their commitment to our country and for all they (and their families) have sacrificed.
- Learn their stories.
- The Modern Military Association of America, which serves LGBTQ service members, veterans, and their families, publishes a Journal of stories and news for and about LGBTQ military families. Go read a few entries to learn more about the joys and challenges of military life.
- GLAD Legal Advocates & Defenders, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the Trans People of Color Coalition and SPART*A have partnered to highlight the stories of transgender veterans and service members of color.
- Beyond the LGBTQ community, you can also listen to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ own “Borne the Battle” podcast. If you know any veterans personally, you can also ask them about their service—though be respectful if they would rather not discuss what might have been traumatic experiences.
- Support a veterans’ organization. Military.com lists several you might consider.
- Take a veteran out for a meal or shopping. Many restaurants and stores have special discounts for them today. (But if you can’t make it today, take them out another day anyway.)
- Remember that an estimated 134,000 American veterans are transgender, and over 15,000 trans people are serving in military today, even as President Trump is trying to deny them the right to do so. Learn more from the National Center for Transgender Equality as well as from GLAD and NCLR, and find out how you can help change this.