When considering the relationship issues experienced by same-sex couples that serve in the military, it is important to understand how these challenges can affect intimate partner relationships. Military service brings unique challenges due to frequent relocations, deployments, and pressure to conform to rigid hierarchies within the organization. These factors have been found to impact the mental health of individuals involved and may create stressors within their relationships. In this article, we will explore how LGBTQ+ couples manage relational stress caused by repeated relocation, deployment, and hierarchical pressures while serving in the military.
Repeated Relocation
One challenge for military members who identify as LGBTQ+ is that they may be required to move frequently, which creates difficulty maintaining stable relationships. Moving to new locations and away from family and friends can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection from support networks. This can also result in increased stress on partnerships since partners must adjust to new environments without their usual resources. To address this issue, some couples may choose to develop a strong support network outside of their immediate families or establish routines such as regular phone calls or visits home.
Online communication tools like video chats allow couples to stay connected even when apart.
Deployment
Deployments present additional difficulties for LGBTQ+ couples, particularly if one partner remains at home while the other serves overseas. The separation can create significant emotional distress and cause anxiety about the safety of the deployed partner. Couples may feel anxious about the lack of contact with each other during deployments, leading to feelings of insecurity and doubt in their relationship. Some couples may choose to rely heavily on technology to stay in touch through text messages, emails, and social media platforms. Others may utilize counseling services provided by their respective branches to help cope with the challenges associated with long-distance relationships.
Hierarchical Pressure
In addition to relational stresses caused by relocation and deployment, LGBTQ+ service members may experience added pressure due to hierarchies within their branch.
Military culture typically emphasizes conformity, which can make it difficult for those who identify as nonconformist to feel accepted or supported. As a result, some individuals may feel pressured to hide aspects of themselves to fit in with the dominant culture. These pressures can lead to internalized homophobia, self-doubt, and mistrust, all of which can harm intimate partnerships. To address this issue, some couples may seek out support groups or therapy to process these experiences together.
How do LGBT couples manage relational stress arising from repeated relocation, deployment, and hierarchical pressures?
LGBT couples face unique challenges in their relationships due to the lack of legal recognition and social acceptance of their identities. This can result in increased stress levels, especially when faced with frequent relocations, military deployments, and work-related travel. Relocation is particularly difficult for LGBT couples as they may experience discrimination and marginalization in new communities, making it harder to establish support networks and access resources.