When it comes to serving in the military, there are numerous obstacles that face LGBT individuals. One of these challenges is psychological safety. Psychological safety is defined as "a shared belief held by members of a team that the team is safe for interpersonal risk taking" (Edmondson, 19999). This means that when an individual feels comfortable speaking up and being themselves without fear of judgment or repercussions, they can focus on performing their job effectively rather than worrying about what others may think. In environments where diversity is resistant, this can be particularly difficult for LGBT service members because they may feel like they cannot express their true selves freely.
There are several strategies that can help enhance the psychological safety of LGBT service members in these situations. The first strategy is education. Educating those around them about LGBT issues can create a more accepting environment. This can include educating leadership about how to support LGBT individuals and creating awareness campaigns to teach people about the experiences of LGBT individuals. Another strategy is to provide resources such as counselors, support groups, or mentorship programs specifically tailored towards LGBT individuals. These resources can help LGBT individuals build relationships with other service members who understand their unique experiences and provide emotional support when needed.
Having allies within the unit or organization can also help increase psychological safety. Allies can advocate for LGBT individuals and speak out against discrimination or harassment.
Providing training on how to recognize and respond to microaggressions can create a safer environment for everyone. Microaggressions are subtle forms of discrimination that often go unnoticed but can have a significant impact on someone's sense of belonging (Sue et al., 2016). By recognizing these behaviors and addressing them head-on, leaders can create a culture where all service members feel respected and valued.
Enhancing the psychological safety of LGBT service members in environments resistant to diversity requires intentional effort from leadership and fellow service members. By implementing these strategies, we can create a more inclusive military that supports all service members regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
What strategies can enhance the psychological safety of LGBT service members in environments resistant to diversity?
Research indicates that building trust with others, seeking support from allies, recognizing oneself as valuable and capable, practicing self-care, and communicating assertively are crucial for enhancing psychological safety among LGBT service members. Trust-building involves being authentic, reliable, and genuine with colleagues while also showing interest in their well-being. Seeking allies means finding individuals who share similar values and goals to build collaborative relationships.