The integration of openly gay individuals into the military is a relatively new phenomenon. Before the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy was repealed in 2011, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members were forced to conceal their identities in order to serve their country.
Even today, there are still obstacles for LGBT service members who must negotiate interpersonal boundaries while maintaining operational focus and professionalism. In this article, I will explore some of these challenges and strategies that LGBT service members have employed to overcome them.
One challenge facing LGBT service members is the lack of role models. Because they cannot be out during training, LGBT service members may feel isolated and alone. This can lead to feelings of isolation and fear of being discovered. As a result, many LGBT service members avoid forming close relationships or becoming emotionally invested in colleagues. Instead, they develop casual friendships and keep their personal lives separate from their work life.
LGBT service members must navigate a hostile environment where homophobia and transphobia are commonplace. They may feel unsafe sharing intimate details about themselves with colleagues or friends, which can make it difficult to form strong bonds.
Another challenge faced by LGBT service members is the need to prove their worth as soldiers. In a military culture that values masculinity and heterosexuality, LGBT service members must constantly prove that they are just as capable as their straight counterparts. This can be especially difficult when dealing with senior officers who may not understand or accept their sexual orientation or gender identity. To combat this, many LGBT service members adopt a "bite your tongue" mentality and simply do their job without drawing attention to themselves. Others find ways to assert their abilities without directly addressing their sexual orientation or gender identity.
One gay soldier told me he had to be "extra good at his job" in order to earn respect from his peers.
Despite these challenges, there are some strategies that LGBT service members have employed to negotiate interpersonal boundaries while maintaining operational focus and professionalism. One strategy is to create a support network among other LGBT service members. These networks provide a sense of community and camaraderie, allowing members to share experiences and offer emotional support to each other. Another strategy is to seek out allies within the military who can serve as mentors and advocates. Allies can help protect LGBT service members from discrimination and harassment and offer guidance on how to navigate the military system.
Some LGBT service members choose to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity altogether. While this may seem like a cop-out, it allows them to focus on their job without fear of retaliation or negative consequences.
In what ways do LGBT service members negotiate interpersonal boundaries while maintaining operational focus and professionalism?
Prior research has found that LGBT service members often face unique challenges when it comes to boundary negotiation and maintenance during military operations. This is especially true for those who serve in units where there may be negative attitudes towards their sexual orientation or gender identity. One of the primary strategies used by LGBT service members to maintain operational focus and professionalism is to remain discreet about their personal lives and relationships while on duty.