Military Policies and Institutional Cultures
The issue of LGBTQ+ individuals' presence and wellbeing within military organizations has been an ongoing debate for decades. While some countries have made significant progress towards equal rights for their citizens who identify as LGBTQ+, many others still struggle to create a safe environment where these individuals can thrive without discrimination or harassment.
This problem is not limited to the civilian world alone; it also extends into the realm of military institutions, which are often seen as conservative and traditional places that do not welcome alternative lifestyles.
Visibility
Mental Health Outcomes
One of the most significant impacts of military policies and institutional cultures on LGBTQ+ personnel visibility is their mental health outcomes.
Studies have shown that members of the LGBTQ+ community experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse than heterosexual counterparts. This is due in part to the constant pressure they face from peers and superiors regarding their sexuality, leading to feelings of isolation and stigma. In addition, the lack of representation and acceptance of queer identities means that LGBTQ+ service members may feel like they cannot be themselves openly, which leads to further psychological distress.
Institutional Cultures
Another factor contributing to poor mental health outcomes among LGBTQ+ personnel is institutional culture. Military institutions tend to value conformity above all else, with strict rules about gender roles and behavior expected from service members. As such, those who do not fit these norms can find themselves ostracized by their colleagues and even disciplined for failing to adhere to them. This creates an atmosphere where individuals feel unsafe expressing themselves freely without fear of reprisal or negative consequences.
It is clear that military policies and institutional cultures play a critical role in shaping how visible LGBTQ+ personnel are within an organization and their subsequent mental health outcomes. By creating more inclusive environments where diversity is celebrated rather than punished, we can begin to address this issue and ensure that everyone has access to equal opportunities regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It would also benefit military organizations if their leadership acknowledged the problem exists instead of denying it and took actionable steps towards changing attitudes within their ranks. Doing so could lead to increased morale, retention rates, recruitment efforts, and ultimately improved national security for countries worldwide.
How do military policies and institutional cultures affect LGBTQ personnel's visibility, inclusion, and mental health outcomes?
Military policies regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) individuals have been evolving over time, but they still lag behind civilian society. The current state of affairs is that active duty members are not allowed to openly display their sexual orientation or gender identity and cannot serve in leadership positions as an openly LGBTQ individual.