LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) individuals have been serving their countries in military forces around the world for centuries. They are no longer closeted but openly serve and protect their countries just like anyone else. Yet, they face unique challenges that non-LGBT people may never experience. One such challenge is navigating dual-role conflicts between their relational needs and hierarchical duties. This article will explore how LGBT service members navigate this conflict and what strategies they adopt to manage it effectively.
One of the most common reasons why LGBT service members feel conflicted is because of stigma. Stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs that society has about LGBT individuals. In some cultures, being LGBT is considered immoral, sinful, or unnatural. Service members who identify as LGBT may fear being judged and ostracized if they reveal their sexual orientation or gender identity. As a result, they keep their personal lives private and separate from their professional lives.
An officer may feel compelled to hide his relationship with another male soldier to avoid being labeled as "gay" by his colleagues.
Another reason why LGBT service members experience conflict is due to societal norms. Societal norms dictate that men should be masculine and women should be feminine. Men are expected to be strong, assertive, and aggressive while women are expected to be soft, passive, and nurturing.
These expectations do not align with the reality of LGBT relationships where both partners can exhibit characteristics associated with either sex.
A transgender woman may be more masculine than her cisgender partner in terms of physical strength or emotional expression. Such differences can create tension and lead to misunderstandings within the relationship.
To cope with dual-role conflicts, LGBT service members often develop coping mechanisms such as compartmentalization. Compartmentalization involves separating different aspects of life into distinct compartments. In this case, the individual separates their personal life from their work life. They limit interactions with colleagues outside of work and avoid discussing their romantic or sexual life at all costs. This strategy helps them maintain control over their behavior and avoid negative consequences.
Some LGBT service members choose to prioritize their duties over their relationships. When faced with a choice between fulfilling their professional obligations or spending time with their partner, they opt for the former. This can result in feelings of guilt and resentment towards their partners but ultimately leads to better job performance and career advancement.
Despite the challenges, many LGBT service members find ways to balance their relational needs and hierarchical duties. Some establish clear boundaries and limits on when they will discuss their private lives with colleagues. Others choose to date other LGBT individuals who understand the unique pressures of military life.
Others simply accept that there is no perfect solution and adjust accordingly. No matter which approach they take, it's crucial that they remain true to themselves and communicate openly with their partners about any issues that arise.
Navigating dual-role conflicts between relational needs and hierarchical duties can be difficult for LGBT service members.
They can adopt strategies such as compartmentalization and prioritizing duties to manage the conflict effectively.
It comes down to finding a balance that works for each individual and communicating openly with their partners.
How do LGBT service members navigate dual-role conflicts between relational needs and hierarchical duties?
LGBT service members face unique challenges when it comes to navigating the balance between their personal relationships and professional responsibilities. As military personnel, they are required to uphold strict standards of conduct and adhere to rules and regulations that may conflict with their individual beliefs and values. This can lead to feelings of tension and anxiety as they try to reconcile these conflicting demands.