Finding Her Community

"This is my spot," says George Bracey, leaning over her collection of cameras at the Swords' Veterans Community Center (VCC). "I have a voice here. As a black and trans veteran, that's so important to me." George, a 72-year-old Vietnam combat veteran, is a regular at the VCC. A creative, George enjoys all the artistic activities we put on including the photography workshop co-hosted with the neighboring nonprofit 7th on 6th Photography Workshop.

When you come to the VCC, you usually can't miss George. A bubbly and confident presence, George has been involved with Swords' programming since the 1980's. She first heard about our work while incarcerated in a Vacaville prison - Swords' staff was doing outreach there and eventually helped her move to San Francisco upon her release. She has remained connected for decades because in her eyes, Swords has been the only reliable network of veteran care available to her.

"My mom used to say that when I returned from Vietnam, I slept for an entire year. Back then, there was no such thing as PTSD. I was completely unprepared and lost." George reflects on the importance of addressing and legitimizing the struggles and trauma she experienced while in service. In the U.S. Army, George experienced racism and severe harassment by her superiors - it was so unbearable that she decided to come out as LGBTQ so she could be discharged. This led her to struggle with her identity as a veteran. She says that finding a community that accepted her as a whole, not just as a veteran, was nothing short of lifesaving.

"Swords made me feel safe and that my quality of life mattered." Over the years, participating in therapy at Swords has allowed George to understand how her military experiences have impacted her long term physical and mental health. She also notes the broader community Swords connected her with - more organizations and resources to help her overcome trauma. She found a home with Hospitality House and performed with local theatre groups, fondly recalling the 'Honey Pot' show put on by fellow Vietnam veterans who pieced together their experiences from the war through creative storytelling.

George is proof that a sense of belonging is critical to building trust between veterans and service providers. Now, George is inspired to help more veterans like her. She helps facilitate the LGBTQ+ support group at the VCC every week, where she shares her wisdom and wit with participants. "All my suggestions are taken seriously by the staff here. I think that's why Swords is the best it's ever been."