Relationships are an important part of life for most people, including those who serve in the military. For members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus (LGBTQ+) community, serving in a multinational deployment can be especially challenging when it comes to maintaining healthy romantic or platonic connections due to cultural differences, language barriers, and other factors.
There are several interventions that have been found to support relational satisfaction and mental health for LGBT personnel during these deployments. These include pre-deployment counseling, cultural competency training, relationship education programs, and peer mentoring.
Pre-Deployment Counseling: Before leaving for their deployment, LGBTQ+ service members should seek out counseling from professionals who specialize in working with this population. This type of therapy can help them prepare for potential challenges they may face while abroad, such as difficulty finding compatible partners, discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and difficulty accessing resources like healthcare or legal services. Counselors can also provide guidance on how to navigate local laws and customs regarding same-sex relationships and offer strategies for coping with stress and isolation.
Cultural Competency Training: Multinational deployments often require personnel to work with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. LGBTQ+ service members may benefit from receiving cultural competency training prior to departure so that they understand the norms and expectations of the culture they will be living in. They can learn about topics such as gender roles, family structures, religious beliefs, and social customs to better navigate their environment and form meaningful connections with others.
Relationship Education Programs: Relationship education programs are designed to teach service members how to build strong, healthy relationships. These programs focus on topics such as communication, conflict resolution, boundaries, and intimacy and can be tailored to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ personnel. Participants can learn skills that will improve their interpersonal interactions and increase their chances of finding a partner who shares similar values and interests.
Peer Mentoring: Peer mentorship is another effective intervention that supports relational satisfaction and mental health among LGBTQ+ service members during multinational deployments. Through these programs, experienced LGBTQ+ veterans serve as role models and guide newcomers through the challenges they may face. Mentors can offer advice on navigating the military system, finding support groups, and maintaining healthy relationships while away from home. They can also provide emotional support and help prevent feelings of loneliness or isolation.
There are several interventions that have been found to support relational satisfaction and mental health for LGBTQ+ personnel during multinational deployments. Pre-deployment counseling, cultural competency training, relationship education programs, and peer mentorship all play an important role in helping service members maintain healthy connections while abroad. By utilizing these resources, LGBTQ+ personnel can ensure that their time in deployment is both successful and fulfilling.
Which interventions best support relational satisfaction and mental health for LGBT personnel in multinational deployments?
Research suggests that providing adequate training and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) personnel before deployment, as well as during and after deployment can help maintain good relational satisfaction and mental health. Additionally, organizations should ensure that policies are in place to protect and advocate for LGBT personnel's rights and needs while they serve abroad.