LGBT military personnel often face difficult decisions when it comes to expressing their identities within the strict hierarchy of the military system. On one hand, they may feel pressured to adhere to traditional gender roles and expectations, which can lead to feelings of suppression and confusion about who they are.
On the other hand, many LGBT service members want to be open about their sexual orientation and gender identity, leading to tension between self-expression and conformity. This article will explore how LGBT service members navigate these competing demands and find ways to balance them while also maintaining professionalism and respect for authority.
One approach that some LGBT service members take is to stay closeted until retirement or discharge from the military. They may choose this option if they feel that coming out would compromise their career advancement or cause personal safety concerns. Closeting allows them to avoid direct conflict with superiors and peers and focus on completing their mission without distraction.
Closeting can also lead to internalized homophobia and shame, as well as a sense of isolation from the larger LGBT community. Some LGBT veterans have even reported feeling isolated after leaving the military because they were unable to connect with others who had similar experiences.
Other LGBT service members choose to come out gradually, starting by sharing their identity with trusted friends and family before making it public. This approach allows them to test the waters and gauge how their colleagues and commanders might react to their news. It also gives them time to adjust to the new reality of being an openly LGBT member of the armed forces.
Gradual coming out can still be challenging, especially in environments where homophobia and transphobia are prevalent.
Some LGBT service members opt for full disclosure at once, revealing their identities to everyone they encounter. This approach can help build allies within the military system and send a message of acceptance and inclusion.
It can also put them at risk of harassment, discrimination, and violence. LGBT veterans who came out quickly report feeling more empowered and confident in their own skin but also facing greater obstacles to advancement and respect within the hierarchy.
In addition to these choices, some LGBT service members find ways to express themselves through their dress, mannerisms, or demeanor in ways that subtly convey their identity without overt statements.
A gender-nonconforming soldier may wear clothing and accessories that reflect their gender expression, while an officer may speak using inclusive language or show support for LGBT causes during official events. These small actions can signal to colleagues and superiors that they belong in the military while avoiding direct confrontation about their sexuality or gender.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing psychological tension between self-expression and conformity for LGBT service members. Each individual must weigh the risks and benefits of different approaches based on their personal circumstances and values. Some may choose to stay closeted until retirement; others may come out gradually; still, others may come out immediately. Whatever approach they take, though, LGBT service members continue to face unique challenges when balancing their identities with the demands of military life.
How do LGBT military personnel manage the psychological tension between self-expression and conformity to strict hierarchical norms?
The management of psychological tension between self-expression and conforming to strict hierarchical norms can be challenging for LGBT military personnel due to societal expectations and institutionalized gender roles. According to research studies, LGBT individuals often struggle with feelings of isolation and alienation from their peers, especially when they belong to conservative cultures that do not accept them.