Relationship problems are common among all types of people but are more prevalent among LGBT military couples because of how societal norms and institutional pressures affect them. In this article, we will examine these factors and their effects on LGBT military couples' relationships.
Societal Norms
Societal norms refer to the expectations and values that society holds for individuals to follow. These include gender roles, marriage traditions, family structures, and sexual behaviors. Historically, societies have been heteronormative, meaning they assume everyone is straight and cisgender. This has led to discrimination against LGBT people who do not fit into those categories. As a result, many LGBT people feel pressure to hide their identities or conform to heterosexual standards. This can create relational tension and identity conflicts within LGBT military couples.
If one partner is open about being transgender while the other partner is not, there may be confusion regarding what type of relationship they have. If one partner wants to get married but the other does not, it could cause conflict between them.
If one partner comes from a conservative family with traditional views on marriage, it could impact how they view their relationship.
Institutional Pressure
Institutional pressure refers to external forces such as laws, policies, and social norms that shape behavior. Within the military, this includes regulations governing everything from dress code to discipline. When LGBT military couples face these pressures daily, it can lead to conflict in their relationship.
If one partner must keep their sexuality secret due to policies prohibiting outward displays of affection, it could negatively affect their relationship. Similarly, if one partner faces harassment because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, it could strain their relationship.
LGBT military couples also experience institutional pressure from coworkers and supervisors who may not support their relationships. These individuals may make comments or jokes about their relationship, which can harm its foundation. In some cases, coworkers may even refuse to work with someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This creates a hostile environment for LGBT military personnel.
These challenges are compounded by the stigma surrounding mental health issues among LGBT people. Mental illness is still widely misunderstood and stigmatized, leading many LGBT people to avoid seeking help when needed. Couples facing these stressors together may find themselves at odds over whether or not to seek professional assistance.
Relational tension and identity conflicts arise in LGBT military couples due to societal norms and institutional pressures. By understanding how these factors interact, couples can better navigate their relationships and find ways to cope with them.
Supporting LGBT military personnel means creating an inclusive environment that respects and accepts all identities.
How do societal norms intersect with institutional pressures to create relational tension and identity conflicts in LGBT military couples?
Relationship tensions between members of the LGBT community can be caused by societal norms and institutional pressures that are often at odds with each other. While society has become more accepting of same-sex relationships over time, many institutions have not caught up, leading to friction within these couples. This includes employers, religious organizations, family members, and even the military itself, which until recently did not allow openly gay people to serve.