Navigating Change & Supporting Each Other – Inclusive AF Podcast Recap (Aug 2)

Hey Inclusive AF Fam,

Welcome to your August edition of the Inclusive AF newsletter! In our latest episode, Jackye and Katee dive deep into the challenging shifts happening around DEI, especially within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and explores how these changes ripple through our communities, workplaces, and personal lives. Here’s what you need to know and some actionable takeaways from our thoughtful, candid conversation.

💡 DEI Rollbacks & What They Mean for Veterans

Recent policy changes have led to major rollbacks of explicit non-discrimination protections in the VA, especially affecting transgender veterans and those seeking gender-affirming care. Beyond policies, there have already been significant layoffs of DEI staff, removal of ombudspersons, and cuts to crucial mental health and healthcare services for historically marginalized groups.

Jackye and Katee discuss how these measures—claimed to be in the name of “meritocracy” and “efficiency”—are already increasing suicide risks and harming those who have served our country. The numbers speak for themselves; the cost of supporting transgender health needs is dwarfed by other expenditures (like ED meds!), making these cuts not just cruel but fiscally questionable.

🧠 Mental Health: The Unintended Fallout

Interruptions in essential care, especially hormone therapy and mental health support, can have devastating consequences. Jackye highlights a 4% to 22% projected increase in deaths simply from missed medication and therapy—a wake-up call for us all.

👩‍💼 What Can Employers (and We) Do?

HR pros and leaders, it’s time to step up. Jackye and Katee urge organizations to:

• Stay closely connected with your Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

• Actively reach out to team members about mental health resources.

• Create or nurture safe spaces (like veteran affinity groups), if your employees feel protected.

• Point folks toward trusted external organizations (think: Trans Lifeline, Lambda Legal).

If your organization’s resources are stretched, empower your people to access community support where it’s needed.

🤝 Lean on Each Other – Community Matters

Feeling overwhelmed? One antidote is to get involved in local volunteering—whether at animal shelters, food banks, or through service days. Supporting others, even in small, locally meaningful ways, builds hope and reminds us that mutual aid is powerful. And yes, bringing some joy and companionship into your home (shoutout to all the dog and cat parents!) is good for your soul.

💬 Closing Thoughts

This isn’t an easy moment. As government safety nets are stretched or cut, we need to double down on community, caring, and creativity. Jackye and Katee remind us to take care of your neighbors, shop small and local where you can, and support each other in ways both practical and heartfelt.

So—check in with yourself, check in with a friend, hug your pet, and remember: we get through tough times by banding together and showing up for one another.

Feel free to reply and share ways you’re supporting your community or yourself—we love to hear from our Inclusive AF audience.

Take care of each other, The Inclusive AF Podcast Crew

Catch the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts, and stay tuned for more honest conversations next time!