What is the impact of institutionalized stigma on the emotional strategies of LGBTQ service members?
The term "institutionalized stigma" refers to the ways that societal beliefs about certain groups can lead to discrimination against them in institutions such as schools, workplaces, healthcare systems, prisons, and even within families. This type of stigma often affects the way people think, feel, and behave towards those who are perceived as different from themselves.
If someone is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ), they may experience negative attitudes from others because of their identity. These negative attitudes can create an atmosphere of fear and shame around being open about one's sexuality, which can have long-lasting effects on mental health and wellbeing. In this article, we will explore how institutionalized stigma can impact the emotional strategies of LGBTQ service members.
Institutionalized stigma in the military
When it comes to the military, institutionalized stigma has a particularly strong effect on LGBTQ individuals. The military has historically been a male-dominated environment where traditional gender roles were expected and celebrated. Until recently, openly serving in the military while identifying as LGBTQ was not possible due to the ban on homosexuals serving in the armed forces. The military is also known for its strict codes of conduct and adherence to tradition, which further reinforces heteronormativity. All of these factors contribute to a culture of exclusion for LGBTQ service members, making it difficult to be out without risking harassment, violence, or loss of career opportunities.
Emotional responses to stigma
The fear of discrimination and rejection can lead to emotional distress for LGBTQ service members, including anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This fear may cause them to hide their true selves from those around them, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. They may also experience shame, guilt, and self-loathing related to their identity. These negative emotions can negatively affect physical and mental health, increasing the likelihood of substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and other health problems.
Coping mechanisms
To cope with this stigma, some LGBTQ service members adopt strategies that help them feel safe and accepted within the military environment.
They may focus on performance and achievement, creating a facade of normality to avoid attention or confrontation. They may also seek out allies among other LGBTQ individuals, forming support networks that provide emotional support and validation. Some may choose to stay closeted, concealing their identities until retirement or separation from the military. While these coping mechanisms can be effective in the short term, they often come at a cost: a lack of authenticity, self-acceptance, and openness.
Institutionalized stigma has a significant impact on the emotional strategies of LGBTQ service members. The fear of rejection and exclusion can cause emotional distress, which can manifest in many ways. To cope, some turn to performance, achievement, or remaining closeted.
These strategies can lead to long-term harm by preventing openness, honesty, and self-acceptance. It is important for institutions like the military to address institutionalized stigma and create spaces where all individuals are valued and respected equally, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
What is the impact of institutionalized stigma on the emotional strategies of LGBTQ service members?
Institutionalized stigma refers to negative attitudes and stereotypes that are endorsed by society towards certain groups of people. In the case of LGBTQ service members, these individuals may experience various forms of prejudice within their workplace, which can have a significant impact on their emotions. This includes feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression due to the lack of acceptance they face from colleagues and superiors.