How Living With a Concealed Sexual Identity in the Military Affects Long-Term Mental Health Outcomes and Personal Resilience
The United States Armed Forces has always been a highly secretive organization, especially when it comes to issues such as sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. For many years, members of the LGBTQ+ community who joined the military had to keep their identities concealed due to a strict policy that required them to hide their true selves. This policy led to significant mental health challenges for individuals who struggled to maintain an identity they could not express freely. The long-term effects of this concealment can be damaging, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse.
Resilience can help mitigate these effects by providing a source of strength and support through difficult times.
In order to understand how living with a concealed sexual identity affects long-term mental health outcomes and personal resilience, we must examine the history of the US Armed Forces' policies regarding sexuality and gender. Before 2011, gay and lesbian service members were barred from serving openly in the military under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT). DADT prevented individuals from disclosing their sexual orientation or engaging in same-sex relationships while serving. If discovered, they faced expulsion from the military and loss of benefits. Despite these harsh consequences, some people chose to serve anyway, remaining closeted throughout their time in the military.
Under DADT, many LGBTQ+ individuals experienced discrimination, harassment, and even violence from fellow service members. They felt forced to live double lives, hiding their true selves behind a facade of heterosexuality or cisgenderism. This created a sense of isolation and loneliness that negatively impacted mental health. Studies have shown that those who served under DADT had higher rates of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD than those who served after its repeal. The stress of keeping secrets, fear of being exposed, and lack of social support all contributed to this increased risk.
Since 2011, when the ban on open service was lifted, there has been a shift in attitudes towards sexual and gender diversity within the military.
Challenges remain for those who do not fit into traditional gender roles or identities. Transgender service members face particular obstacles due to the absence of clear guidelines regarding their inclusion. Many transgender people still feel compelled to hide their identity, using gender-neutral pronouns or avoiding situations where they might be outed. This can lead to increased feelings of isolation and stigma, further exacerbating mental health problems.
Resilience can play a critical role in mitigating the effects of living with a concealed sexual identity. Resilient individuals are better able to cope with adversity, maintain emotional balance, and bounce back from setbacks. They tend to have strong social networks, positive coping strategies, and a sense of purpose beyond themselves. These qualities can help buffer against the negative impacts of concealment and improve overall well-being.
Living with a concealed sexual identity in the US Armed Forces can have significant long-term mental health implications. While resilience can help mitigate these effects, more work is needed to create an inclusive and accepting environment for all service members regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. By recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, we can promote greater acceptance and support within the military community.
How does living with a concealed sexual identity in the military affect long-term mental health outcomes and personal resilience?
Living with a concealed sexual identity can have both positive and negative effects on mental health outcomes and personal resilience over time. The effects may vary depending on various factors such as individual characteristics, social support, attitudes towards homosexuality, and cultural norms. Research suggests that concealing one's sexual orientation may result in stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues (Jones et al. , 2016).