How do LGBT Service Members Reconcile Personal Relational Needs With Professional Military Identity And Operational Obligations?
LGBT service members must strike a delicate balance between their personal and professional lives when it comes to their romantic and sexual relationships. While they may be entitled to certain rights under the law, such as same-sex marriage, these laws can have unintended consequences for military readiness and morale. On one hand, having access to meaningful relationships can enhance resilience and improve mental health outcomes. But, on the other hand, having too many close relationships could potentially disrupt unit cohesion and distract from mission focus. This essay will explore the ways that LGBT service members reconcile their personal relational needs with their professional military identity and operational obligations.
The Challenges Facing LGBT Service Members
The unique challenges facing LGBT service members stem from the fact that they are often forced to hide their identities in order to serve in the military.
According to research by the Williams Institute, 18% of active duty service members report hiding their sexual orientation from coworkers due to concern about discrimination or harassment. This secrecy is not only emotionally taxing but also has practical implications. When LGBT service members cannot be open about who they are, they risk being assigned to undesirable roles or even experiencing retaliation if their sexuality becomes known.
The lack of acceptance and understanding of LGBT people within the military community can lead to isolation and loneliness, which further exacerbates the problem.
Professional Identity and Operational Obligations
Service members must also balance their personal relationships with their professional identity and operational obligations. Military regulations dictate that service members prioritize their duties over everything else, including family and friends.
Service members may find themselves deployed away from loved ones for long periods of time, making it difficult to maintain meaningful relationships. As a result, many service members rely on their fellow soldiers for emotional support, leading them to form close bonds with other service members.
These close relationships could potentially distract from mission focus if they become too intimate.
Reconciling Personal Relational Needs With Professional Responsibilities
LGBT service members have found creative ways to reconcile their personal relational needs with their professional responsibilities. Some have formed deep friendships without engaging in physical intimacy, while others have chosen to wait until after they leave the military to pursue romantic relationships. Still, others have opted for more casual dating arrangements where they can maintain some level of privacy while still fulfilling their professional obligations. Whatever approach they take, all LGBT service members face unique challenges when trying to balance their personal lives with their professional identity and operational obligations.
How do LGBT service members reconcile personal relational needs with professional military identity and operational obligations?
LGBT service members often face challenges when it comes to balancing their personal relationships with their professional military identity and operational obligations. This is due to the rigidity of military culture that tends to emphasize conformity and traditional gender roles. As a result, they may feel pressure to suppress their sexual orientation and gender expression, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.