The United States government has recently lifted its ban on transgender individuals serving openly in the military. This policy change has been praised by many for providing equal rights to all Americans who want to serve their country.
It also raises important questions about how this shift will affect LGBT personnel already serving and those who have served previously. In particular, there is concern about the long-term impacts of military service on the relational and psychological well-being of LGBT personnel.
LGBT personnel may face unique challenges related to their identities that can lead to greater stress and strain than their heterosexual peers.
They may be more likely to experience discrimination and harassment from both fellow soldiers and commanding officers. They may also find it difficult to form strong relationships with others due to fears of exposure or rejection.
They may struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness as they try to navigate the often homophobic or sexist culture of the military. These issues can take a toll on their mental health and overall well-being.
Studies have shown that LGBT veterans are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse than their heterosexual counterparts. They are also at higher risk for suicide attempts and self-harm. These issues may be exacerbated by the unique experiences and pressures of military life, including combat, deployment, and separation from family and friends.
The long-term effects of these conditions can be far-reaching and complex.
PTSD can cause difficulty regulating emotions, impulsivity, irritability, and hypervigilance, which can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships outside of the military. Depression can lead to social withdrawal, lack of motivation, and difficulty connecting with others. Substance abuse can damage personal and professional relationships, increase conflict in intimate partnerships, and contribute to financial problems.
In addition to these individual challenges, LGBT personnel may face additional obstacles when transitioning back into civilian life after service. They may struggle to find employment or housing due to discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. They may also experience difficulties forming new relationships outside of the military environment where they were accepted without question.
Military service presents unique challenges for LGBT individuals that can impact their relational and psychological well-being in the short-term and long-term. It is important that we recognize these risks and provide support services for those who need them.
What are the long-term impacts of military service on the relational and psychological well-being of LGBT personnel?
The effects of military service on the mental health of sexual minorities have been studied extensively over the years by researchers, resulting in mixed results. A review published by Bliese et al. (2016) showed that while there is some evidence for negative associations between sexual orientation and measures of mental health, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, these relationships were weakened after controlling for other relevant factors like combat exposure.