The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) recognizes June as Pride Month to commemorate the struggle for civil rights and celebrate the impact of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA2S+) individuals around the world.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising against police brutality toward the LGBTQIA2S+ communities and the 11th anniversary of Minnesota legalizing same-sex marriage by legislative vote.

MDVA will be at the 2024 Twin Cities Pride Festival in downtown Minneapolis again this year. Visit our booth or watch for us in the parade! For more information contact diversity.MDVA@state.mn.us.

The Veterans Benefits Administration estimates there are approximately 1 million Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Veterans in the U.S. MDVA serves all Veterans and their families as well as supports our team members regardless of age, gender or sexual orientation.

Here’s more information about LGBTQIA2S+ history in the U.S. Military:

• Military OneSource: LGBTQ in the Military: A Brief History, Current Policies and Safety
• Library of Congress: LGBT Veterans, Stories from the Veterans History Project
• The National WWII Museum - Coming Out Under Fire: The Story of Gay and Lesbian Service Members

To get connected to Veteran and community resources, and arts and cultural organizations, check out these sites:

• Minnesota resources for the LGBTQ community: Listed by Minnesota community
• Minneapolis VA Health Care System (Federal): LGBT Veteran Care
• LinkVet: LinkVet helps Minnesota Veterans and their families to get connected and learn about available benefits and services. It’s available seven days a week at 1-888-linkvet (546-5838) or online chat or email at linkvet.org.
• Veterans Crisis Line: If you're a Veteran and feeling overwhelmed, or concerned about one, there is immediate, 24/7, confidential help. Call/Text/Chat Online with Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 or Text 838255 or visit veteranscrisisline.net.