In today's modern societies, gender and sexuality are highly valued attributes that define an individual's personality, behavior, and life choices.
For many individuals who serve in the armed forces, these identities can be challenging to explore and express due to strict cultural norms that promote heterosexuality and cisgender ideals. This study explores how such expectations affect the mental health, identity development, and social cohesion of queer service members and discusses the impact of military heteronormativity on their wellbeing.
Mental Health
The military has a long history of discriminating against LGBTQ+ people, which has led to poor mental health outcomes among queer service members. Research shows that they are more likely to experience high levels of depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts than their non-queer counterparts. These negative mental health effects may stem from the constant fear of being discovered or rejected by peers, commanders, and colleagues. The pressure to conform to rigid masculine or feminine stereotypes also contributes to this outcome. As a result, queer service members often feel isolated, alienated, and unable to seek help when needed.
Identity Development
The military emphasizes traditional gender roles, making it difficult for queer service members to navigate their identities freely. They must conceal or suppress their true selves, leading to feelings of confusion, insecurity, and doubt about their place in society. For some, this leads to self-doubt, low self-esteem, and even trauma related to past experiences of rejection or abuse.
Some service members find ways to develop positive identities within the constraints of the military environment, embracing alternative expressions of gender and sexuality while still upholding military values. This approach can lead to increased resilience, autonomy, and personal growth.
Social Cohesion
The military is a highly hierarchical institution with strict codes of conduct, including rules on socializing and relationships. Queer service members often struggle to connect with other service members due to these restrictions, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Many find solace in online communities where they can be themselves without fear of judgment or reprisals. Some create support networks within their units or organizations, seeking out like-minded individuals who share similar experiences and perspectives. Others build professional networks that allow them to excel at their jobs without compromising their identity. These connections provide emotional and practical support, increasing social cohesion and belonging among marginalized groups.
Military heteronormativity shapes the mental health, identity development, and social cohesion of queer service members by restricting their ability to explore and express their sexuality openly. Despite these challenges, many find ways to navigate the system successfully, building supportive communities and developing strong identities despite external pressures. By creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people to thrive, we can improve military culture and promote greater inclusion and acceptance.
How does military heteronormativity shape mental health, identity development, and social cohesion among queer service members?
The research on how military heteronormativity shapes mental health, identity development, and social cohesion among queer service members is limited but suggests that it can have significant impacts. Heteronormativity refers to the assumption that heterosexuality is the normative sexual orientation, and this belief can create barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals in various areas of life, including the military.