The body, gender, and sexuality are intertwined aspects of human existence that define individual experiences and interactions within society.
These characteristics are subject to change due to external factors such as aging, physical disability, mental illness, and trauma. In this essay, I will explore how military service can impact an individual's sexual identity, particularly their perception of their gender and sex. Through a review of existing literature, I will examine how such changes may affect one's sense of continuity, self-image, and bodily confidence, leading to challenges in establishing healthy romantic and sexual relationships after leaving active duty. The findings suggest that individuals who have undergone medical transition during military service may face unique difficulties related to maintaining their new identity upon return home.
This study highlights the importance of understanding the implications of military service for sexual identity development and advocating for comprehensive support services for veterans navigating these issues.
When entering military service, many individuals experience a shift in their sense of self and their relationship to others. This can be especially true for those engaging in combat or experiencing traumatic events during deployment.
Research has shown that soldiers who witnessed death or injury experienced increased feelings of detachment from loved ones (Taylor et al., 2013). Moreover, returning veterans often report difficulty adjusting back into civilian life, feeling disconnected from family members and friends who do not share their experiences (Garcia & Haskell, 2017). These shifts in identity and relationships can significantly impact one's sexual identity and intimate connections with others.
One aspect of military service that has received increasing attention is its impact on gender identity and sexual orientation. Research indicates that transgender people are more likely to join the military than cisgender individuals (Grant et al., 2016), suggesting that they may seek camaraderie and acceptance in an environment where their identities are less visible.
Some studies also indicate that transgender individuals may feel pressured to suppress their identity while in uniform to avoid discrimination and harassment (Burton et al., 2018). This can lead to internal conflict and a lack of clarity around their own sense of gender and sex.
For some individuals, this confusion may manifest as a desire to transition physically while still serving. Transition-related surgeries such as hysterectomy and breast augmentation require time off from active duty and potential medical bills, which can create barriers to access. In addition, service members who have undergone these procedures may face additional stigma and discrimination within the military culture, further complicating their transition process (Hillman et al., 2019). The result is a population of military personnel who experience significant changes in their bodies and self-image during deployment but struggle to maintain their newly established identities upon return home.
The implications for sexual relationships after leaving military service are complex and multifaceted. On one hand, many veterans report difficulty reconnecting emotionally with romantic partners or initiating new intimate connections due to trauma-related anxiety and depression (Kaufman & Zatzick, 2015). At the same time, those who have undergone medical transition may find it challenging to navigate dating when others do not recognize their new gender or expressions of sexuality.
Some people who have had mastectomies may feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about physical intimacy with partners who are used to seeing them with breasts (Goldstein, 2017). This can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from both peers and potential partners.
This essay has explored how military service can impact an individual's sense of continuity, self-image, and bodily confidence related to sexual identity. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive support services that acknowledge the unique experiences of transgender service members and address the challenges they face navigating civilian life post-deployment. By understanding these issues and advocating for inclusive policies, we can better support our veteran community and promote healthy romantic and sexual relationships among all individuals.
What happens to sexual identity when military service disrupts one's sense of continuity, self-image, or bodily confidence?
When military service disrupts one's sense of continuity, self-image, or bodily confidence, it can have significant impact on an individual's sexual identity. The changes experienced during deployment may lead to reevaluation of one's personal values and beliefs, including their sexual orientation or gender identity. The increased stress levels associated with military service can also lead to heightened sensitivity to one's physical appearance and body image, which could affect how individuals perceive themselves sexually.