The United States Armed Forces has an obligation to protect its citizens and secure national security interests around the world. As such, it demands strict adherence to military protocols that emphasize discipline, order, and cohesion among service members.
Sexual orientation and gender identity are aspects of personal life that cannot be ignored. While being gay is no longer considered a disqualifying factor from serving in the US military since 2011, there have been debates about how LGBT service members reconcile their need for relational authenticity with expectations of military professionalism.
Reconciling sexuality and military professionalism
LGBT individuals face unique challenges when it comes to balancing their private lives with their military roles. They may find themselves struggling between their identities as individuals and their responsibilities as soldiers.
They may feel pressure to keep their sexual orientations hidden or conceal them in public settings. This can lead to isolation, anxiety, and stress. At the same time, they must comply with strict codes of conduct and abide by rules governing interactions with other service members, which can make it difficult to develop meaningful relationships.
Professionalism vs. intimacy
Military culture requires service members to maintain a certain level of distance and formality when interacting with one another. This may include avoiding physical contact, such as hugging, kissing, or holding hands in public. Service members must also refrain from discussing sensitive topics like politics, religion, and sex outside of designated spaces. These restrictions make it hard for LGBT individuals to open up about their sexuality without compromising professionalism.
Personal vs. public personas
Because of the expectation of conformity within the military, many LGBT service members struggle with presenting two different versions of themselves: a personal self that is true to their identity and a professional self that adheres to military guidelines. This can cause confusion and conflict, leading to internalized shame, fear, and anxiety. Some may even resort to creating separate online profiles and social media accounts to keep their personal and professional lives separate.
Challenges faced by transgender service members
Transgender service members face additional challenges because of discrimination and stigma surrounding gender identity. They may feel pressured to hide their identities due to fear of rejection, harassment, or violence. They also need to navigate complex medical procedures related to transitioning while serving. Despite these obstacles, some transgender service members have found ways to balance their identities with military obligations by being transparent about their needs and seeking support from allies.
The reconciliation between relational authenticity and military professionalism is not easy for LGBT service members. It requires them to constantly negotiate between competing demands and expectations.
They are finding creative solutions that allow them to be true to themselves while fulfilling their duties as soldiers. With ongoing efforts towards inclusivity and acceptance in the military, LGBT individuals can continue to serve with pride and dignity.
How do LGBT service members reconcile the need for relational authenticity with expectations of military professionalism?
LGBT service members may find it difficult to reconcile their need for relational authenticity with the expectations of military professionalism due to various reasons. One reason is that traditional military values prioritize conformity and obedience over individual expression, which can lead to conflicts between personal identities and professional roles.