The issue of LGBT rights has been a hot button issue for decades now and is still prevalent in many societies all around the world. In recent years, there have been significant changes that favor the acceptance of people from the community in various fields like education, politics, economy, entertainment, media, etc., but it seems that the military remains one institution where they are treated unfairly. This paper discusses how military institutions facilitate or hinder identity integration and self-acceptance among LGBT personnel.
As a starting point, this paper explains what LGBT is, who falls under this category, and some common challenges faced by these individuals. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) acronym refers to people who identify as anything other than heterosexual, cisgender, or monogamous. These individuals may feel like they do not belong because society expects them to conform to traditional gender roles based on their assigned sex during birth. Most of them are harassed due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, which often makes them uncomfortable in their skin and causes them to avoid social interactions with others who share similar characteristics. Some of the most prominent struggles include discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, lack of support networks, and healthcare accessibility issues, just to mention a few.
Military institutions play a critical role in ensuring national security, which means that they must always be ready to respond to any threat promptly. To accomplish this mission effectively, they need to recruit, train, and retain soldiers with diverse skills, including those from the LGBT community.
This group faces difficulties when trying to integrate into this environment. Firstly, there is still stigma associated with being open about their sexuality, so many opt for concealing it until they leave active service or retire. Secondly, there is no formal training program for officers and other ranks regarding how to interact with colleagues who identify as LGBT. Thirdly, there is no clear-cut policy regarding the admission of transgender personnel and how to deal with them if found out.
There are no provisions in place for same-sex couples living together or having children while serving in the military.
Some countries have taken steps towards facilitating integration by allowing gay people to join forces without hiding their sexual orientation.
Canada has an equal opportunity employer policy whereby all qualified candidates can apply regardless of their sexuality. The same applies to New Zealand, Australia, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. In these nations, military officials undergo sensitivity training to appreciate the needs of people from different backgrounds, including gender identity and sexual orientation. Some even allow marriage ceremonies between LGBT members, and others provide family benefits like maternity leave, paternity leave, and childcare assistance. Such measures help reduce discrimination against LGBT individuals, thus promoting self-acceptance among them.
It is evident that military institutions play a crucial role in facilitating or hindering identity integration and self-acceptance among LGBT personnel. It is up to every country's leaders to ensure that they create conducive environments where everyone feels comfortable working without fear of being judged based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This way, soldiers will be more productive and loyal since they won't need to hide their true selves anymore. The issue should not only focus on recruitment but also retention, as this group faces unique challenges that require special attention from commanders and other authorities.
How do military institutions facilitate or hinder identity integration and self-acceptance among LGBT personnel?
Military institutions can both facilitate and hinder identity integration and self-acceptance among LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) personnel depending on the policies and attitudes of the institution itself. On one hand, some military organizations may have progressive policies that promote diversity and inclusion, which can lead to increased acceptance and support for LGBT service members.