The military has traditionally been viewed as a patriarchal institution where men are expected to perform masculine roles that involve aggression, strength, and bravery. As such, they have often been seen as having a higher sense of duty than women who are considered more submissive and caring.
In recent years there has been increasing recognition of the contributions made by both male and female soldiers alike, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. This change has allowed for greater understanding and acceptance among members of the LGBT community serving in the armed forces. Despite this progress, however, it is important to note that dual-role conflicts still exist between workplace demands and personal lives which can lead to stress in interpersonal relationships.
One major source of tension arises from the need to keep one's sexuality hidden while in uniform or when interacting with other service members during deployment. This secrecy can cause feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation within the individual which may negatively affect their performance on the job.
Deployments can create additional stress due to separation from family members and friends, creating an even deeper divide between personal and professional lives.
There is pressure placed upon all service members to conform to traditional gender roles despite whatever challenges they may face personally or professionally.
If someone identifies as transgender but presents themselves as cisgender (their birth gender), they may find it difficult to navigate these expectations without sacrificing their own identity.
To manage these types of stresses, LGBT service members must first recognize them as legitimate concerns that deserve attention rather than ignore them outright. It is also crucial to seek support networks such as LGBT organizations or counselors who specialize in working with military personnel. Communicating openly with partners about needs and expectations can help prevent misunderstandings down the line as well.
Setting boundaries around time spent at home versus time spent away from loved ones is essential in maintaining healthy relationships over long periods of separation.
How do LGBT service members manage relational stress arising from dual-role conflicts and operational demands?
Research has found that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) military service members often experience unique stressors such as discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity within the military culture, which can lead to heightened levels of distress and social isolation.