The U.S. Department of Defense estimates that there are between 6,1888 and 14,9000 openly serving transgender service members, according to data from 2021. While the exact figures may be debated, it is certain that many gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer individuals serve in the military without disclosing their identities. This creates challenges for LGBT service members who want to balance professional duties with personal relational needs and identity affirmation while also dealing with social stigma and stereotypes associated with being out in the closet.
Challenges faced by LGBT Service Members
There are several challenges that LGBT service members face when trying to balance their professional duties with personal relational needs and identity affirmation. One challenge is discrimination and harassment from fellow soldiers or officers who may view them as different or threatening due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Another challenge is access to resources such as housing, medical care, and mental health services that cater specifically to LGBT people.
LGBT service members may experience pressure to conform to traditional gender roles within the military culture, which can make it difficult to express themselves authentically.
Strategies used by LGBT Service Members
To overcome these challenges, some LGBT service members choose to remain in the closet and hide their identities entirely. Others form support networks within the military community to provide emotional and practical support for one another. Some may use online dating apps or social media platforms to meet other LGBT people outside of the military setting.
Many LGBT service members seek therapy or counseling to help navigate their unique experiences and build resilience in the face of adversity.
Balancing professional duty with personal relational needs and identity affirmation is a complex task for all service members but especially for LGBT individuals.
There are strategies available to help LGBT service members cope with these challenges, including building support networks, seeking therapy or counseling, and using digital technologies to connect with others.
The success of this effort depends on individual strength and resilience, as well as broader societal acceptance of diversity and inclusion.
How do LGBT service members balance professional duty with personal relational needs and identity affirmation?
Despite progress in recent decades toward greater acceptance of sexual and gender diversity in American culture, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) military service members still experience unique challenges that can make it difficult for them to fully reconcile their identities within their workplace environment.