Soldiers are known for their bravery and strength, but they also have personal lives that can be complicated. One issue that many military members face is how to navigate relational disclosures amidst the risk of judgment or discrimination.
If a soldier wants to date someone within the same unit, they may fear being seen as "unprofessional" or jeopardizing their career. Or, if they come out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, or queer, they may worry about losing support from family, friends, or fellow service members. In this article, I will explore some strategies soldiers use to manage these risks and still connect with others.
Soldiers may choose to keep certain details private until trust is established. This could include things like sexual orientation or relationship status. By slowly building up confidence in a new relationship or friendship, soldiers can feel more comfortable sharing more intimate aspects of themselves without fear of rejection.
Soldiers may try to find allies among other LGBTQ+ community members who understand the unique challenges of serving in the military while openly expressing one's identity.
Soldiers may seek counseling or therapy to process difficult emotions related to their relationships and help them develop healthy boundaries and communication skills.
Soldiers may use code words or euphemisms to discuss sensitive topics without explicitly revealing them.
Instead of saying "I am dating my superior," a soldier might say "My boss and I are close." This allows them to allude to their relationship without exposing it directly. It also allows for conversations about interpersonal dynamics that might otherwise be considered off-limits.
Soldiers may create a separate identity or persona outside of the military setting to protect themselves from judgment or discrimination. They may join online communities where they can meet people with similar interests or backgrounds who won't judge them based on their military affiliation alone. They might also take steps to conceal their rank, unit, or location when interacting with civilians or non-military personnel. This can help them maintain some anonymity and privacy in their personal life.
Navigating relational disclosure amidst the risk of judgment or discrimination is challenging but not impossible for soldiers. By using strategies like establishing trust before sharing details, seeking supportive resources, using coded language, and creating alternative identities, soldiers can build meaningful connections even while facing professional and social pressures.
How do soldiers navigate relational disclosure amid the risk of judgment or discrimination?
Soldiers may find it difficult to navigate relational disclosures amid the risk of judgment or discrimination due to their unique experiences and identities as members of a military community. The stigma surrounding mental health issues can cause them to be unwilling to discuss personal struggles with others out of fear that they will not be understood or supported.