Intersectionality is a theoretical framework that describes how multiple social identities such as race, class, gender, and sexual orientation intersect to create unique experiences of oppression, discrimination, and marginalization. In recent years, this concept has gained increasing attention in academic literature, particularly in fields related to sociology, feminist studies, and ethnic studies. Intersectionality suggests that each individual's identity is composed of different aspects that shape their lived experience, including factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability status, socioeconomic status, and LGBT identity. As a result, individuals who belong to multiple minority groups may face additional layers of discrimination due to the intersectional nature of their identity.
In the context of military service, research has shown that LGBT soldiers experience significant levels of stigma, exclusion, and discrimination within the ranks. These experiences can have detrimental effects on psychological wellbeing, leading to increased rates of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Little research has examined how intersectionality affects these experiences among LGBT soldiers. This article will explore how intersectionality shapes the experience of stigma, inclusion, and psychological wellbeing among LGBT soldiers.
Stigma
LGBT soldiers who identify with other marginalized social categories, such as women or people of color, are likely to experience higher levels of stigma than those who do not. This is because they must navigate multiple forms of discrimination simultaneously, which can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion within both the civilian and military communities.
A Black lesbian soldier may feel doubly targeted by homophobia and racism, while an Asian transgender man may face prejudice based on both gender and racial identities. This can create a sense of double jeopardy, where an individual's vulnerabilities are heightened due to their intersecting identities.
Inclusion
Intersectionality also plays a role in shaping the level of inclusion experienced by LGBT soldiers. Soldiers who belong to multiple minority groups may find it more challenging to connect with others in the military community who share similar identities, as they may be dispersed across different units and branches.
LGBT soldiers from minority backgrounds may face additional obstacles in accessing resources and support services designed for LGBT individuals, leading to increased isolation and exclusion.
Psychological Wellbeing
The impact of intersectionality on psychological wellbeing among LGBT soldiers is complex and multifaceted. Studies have shown that LGBT soldiers who face greater levels of stigmatization and exclusion are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Research has also suggested that resilience factors such as social support and identity integration may buffer these effects, particularly for those who identify with multiple marginalized social categories.
A study conducted by Gates et al. (2014) found that LGBT veterans who identified as people of color were less likely to experience PTSD symptoms if they had strong social support networks and felt integrated into their communities.
How does intersectionality affect the experience of stigma, inclusion, and psychological wellbeing among LGBT soldiers?
Intersectionality refers to the complex combination of multiple identities within an individual that may include gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, age, ability, and other factors. The experiences of LGBT soldiers can be shaped by how these different dimensions of identity interact with each other.