LGBTQ+ people have historically faced discrimination in many areas of society, including employment, housing, education, healthcare, and military service. In the U.S., they are still barred from serving openly in the armed forces until recently.
Since 2011, when Congress repealed "Don't Ask Don't Tell," transgender individuals have been allowed to serve but must do so under strict guidelines regarding medical care for transitioning. And now, with the recent presidential election and its potential implications, there is uncertainty about the future of LGBTQ+ rights within the military. This article will examine how LGBTQ+ service members perceive the balance between relational intimacy and operational responsibility.
The term 'relational intimacy' refers to emotional closeness and connection that can develop between partners in romantic relationships. The term 'operational responsibility' describes an individual's ability to perform their duties as assigned while also maintaining a high level of professionalism. As a result, a service member may feel a conflict between these two aspects of their life - one that prioritizes being emotionally close to another person versus performing tasks necessary for the military mission. Research suggests that this tension is particularly acute among gay men, who tend to be more sexually active than heterosexual men.
Bisexuals report feeling less comfortable integrating sexuality into workplace conversations or interactions due to stigma and fear of discrimination. Transgender individuals face unique challenges related to physical appearance, identity, and access to hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries.
One study found that LGBTQ+ service members reported higher levels of stress associated with balancing intimate relationships and work responsibilities. They also reported greater difficulty separating their personal lives from their work lives than non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. Another study suggested that LGBTQ+ soldiers felt pressure to conceal their identities at work and had difficulty integrating aspects of their personal lives, such as family or dating, into professional interactions.
Some researchers have argued that these findings should not be generalized to all LGBTQ+ people or military environments.
The U.S. Department of Defense has made efforts to create policies aimed at promoting inclusion and support for its LGBTQ+ employees. This includes providing training on sensitivity towards LGBTQ+ issues in the military environment and offering mentorship programs designed explicitly for LGBTQ+ troops.
Many service members express pride in serving their country regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The decision whether or not to openly share information about one's sexuality depends on individual circumstances, including geographic location, unit culture, leadership style, mission demands, etc.
While there are still challenges facing LGBTQ+ service members regarding relational intimacy and operational responsibility, progress is being made within the military toward creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for this diverse population.
How do LGBT service members perceive the balance between relational intimacy and operational responsibility?
The perception of how to balance relational intimacy and operational responsibility among LGBT service members is complex, and it varies depending on several factors such as age, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural background, military branch, rank, combat experience, geographic location, and personal belief systems.