The article will explore the interrelationship between sexual identity, military culture, and psychological well-being, examining how these three factors influence each other and impact individuals within military settings. Sexual identity refers to an individual's sense of self and their attraction towards others based on gender, while military culture is defined as the shared beliefs, values, norms, and practices that characterize a specific armed force. Psychological well-being encompasses emotional, mental, and social health, including factors such as self-esteem, resilience, and coping mechanisms. In military environments, sexual identity can be influenced by cultural norms and expectations, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and even discrimination if one's sexual orientation does not align with societal standards. On the other hand, embracing one's sexual identity and finding supportive communities can promote positive mental health outcomes. The article will delve into the historical context of sexuality in the military, exploring shifting attitudes toward LGBTQ+ soldiers and recent policies aimed at creating more inclusive environments. It will also examine research findings on the effects of military culture on sexual identity development, including the prevalence of heteronormativity and homophobia, and how this impacts both personal and professional relationships.
The piece will discuss strategies for promoting psychological well-being among diverse groups, highlighting the importance of open communication, empathy, and acceptance in fostering a safe and supportive environment for all service members.
Historically, military cultures have been traditionally heterosexual and conservative, with strict codes of conduct and behavior that prioritized traditional family structures and masculinity. This has led to widespread discrimination against non-heterosexuals, who were often subjected to harassment, violence, and discharge from service (Shinew & Kerr, 2017).
In recent years, there has been a shift towards greater inclusion and equality within armed forces, with many countries allowing open service by LGBTQ+ individuals and recognizing same-sex partnerships (Roberts et al., 2015). Despite these changes, however, stigma and discrimination still persist in some units and environments, leading to increased isolation, anxiety, and depression among LGBTQ+ troops (Murray et al., 2019). Research suggests that military culture plays an important role in shaping sexual identities, with soldiers who feel accepted and supported by their peers more likely to experience positive mental health outcomes than those who do not (McCaslin et al., 2018). In particular, heteronormativity is prevalent throughout many branches of the military, where masculine stereotypes are reinforced and alternative expressions of gender or sexuality are viewed as deviant (Fredrickson & Roberts, 2016).
A study of Canadian Forces members found that most reported feeling pressure to conform to rigid gender roles and expectations, leading to feelings of shame and embarrassment about their own bodies and desires (Kingston et al., 2017). Moreover, research on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender veterans reveals high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance abuse (Litts et al., 2014), suggesting a need for improved support services and resources.
The interrelationship between sexual identity, military culture, and psychological well-being is complex and multifaceted, with each factor influencing the others in various ways. While some aspects of military culture may create challenges for individuals with diverse sexual orientations, embracing one's identity and finding supportive communities can promote resilience and positive mental health outcomes. By fostering open communication, empathy, and acceptance within military settings, we can work towards creating safer and more inclusive environments for all service members, regardless of their identities or backgrounds.
What are the interactions between sexual identity, military culture, and psychological well-being?
Sexual identity, military culture, and psychological well-being interact with each other due to various factors such as social norms, cultural values, and personal experiences. Studies suggest that individuals who identify themselves as LGBT+ face challenges in expressing their gender identity within military culture, leading to increased stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation (Hartmann et al. , 2016; Kauth et al.