Soldiers are often forced to make difficult decisions about how much they reveal about themselves during their service due to concerns about being openly gay. Discrimination and reprisals against gays in the military can have serious consequences, such as job loss or even expulsion from the force.
It's important for soldiers to be able to form close relationships with fellow servicemembers because these connections help them feel supported and secure while away from home. Negotiating relational disclosure amid potential discrimination and reprisal requires careful consideration and strategic planning.
One way that soldiers can negotiate relational disclosure is by establishing trust among their comrades before disclosing personal details. This means building rapport through shared experiences and common interests, so that when it comes time to share something more private, there is already an established sense of mutual respect and camaraderie. It also helps if the soldier has a clear understanding of what they plan to say ahead of time, so they can choose their words carefully and avoid any misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
Another strategy for negotiating relational disclosure is to focus on shared values rather than personal information.
A soldier who identifies as LGBT may talk about their commitment to equality and justice, which could lead to discussions about LGBT rights issues without divulging their own sexual orientation. By emphasizing shared ideals instead of personal details, the soldier can build strong bonds without putting themselves at risk.
Soldiers may also consider disclosing information incrementally over time, gradually revealing more intimate details as they become comfortable doing so. This allows them to gauge how their peers react to each piece of information before moving on to the next level of disclosure. It also gives the soldier the opportunity to control the flow of information and prevent potentially damaging misunderstandings.
Some soldiers may choose not to disclose certain aspects of their identity altogether, keeping their personal life separate from their military service. While this approach can be effective in protecting against potential reprisal, it may limit opportunities for meaningful relationships with fellow servicemembers.
The decision about how much to reveal is up to each individual soldier based on their unique circumstances and needs.
How do soldiers negotiate relational disclosure amid potential discrimination or reprisal?
To begin with, there is a lack of consensus among researchers regarding the definition of "relational disclosure. " While some scholars conceptualize it as revealing personal information that may be sensitive or private, others understand it as sharing intimate details about oneself in relationships (Hill, 2017).