LGBT individuals have faced several challenges due to their identity and how it is perceived by others. One challenge that they face is double stigmatization when they serve in the military and are part of cultures where traditional gender roles are highly emphasized. In this essay, I will discuss what double stigma means for LGBT individuals who serve in militarized and traditionalist contexts.
Double stigma refers to the experience of being labeled negatively by society because of one's personal characteristics such as race, sexual orientation, disability, etc. Double stigma occurs when an individual belongs to more than one group that is socially marginalized.
A person may be both gay and black, which can lead to increased discrimination and prejudice from both heterosexual white people and homophobic black people. Similarly, LGBT individuals who serve in the military and come from cultures where traditional gender roles are highly valued may face double stigma due to their identity and occupation. This double stigma can lead to social isolation, exclusion, and other negative consequences.
One form of double stigma experienced by LGBT individuals serving in militarized and traditionalist contexts is internalized stigma. Internalized stigma is when an individual believes negative stereotypes about themselves based on their identity or status.
An LGBT soldier may believe that they do not belong in the military because they do not fit into the masculine stereotype expected of soldiers. They may feel like they need to hide their identity to fit in with their peers, leading to feelings of shame and self-doubt. This internalized stigma can impact their mental health and overall well-being.
Another form of double stigma experienced by LGBT individuals serving in militarized and traditionalist contexts is social stigma. Social stigma refers to negative attitudes and behaviors towards an individual based on their identity or status. LGBT individuals may experience harassment, bullying, or even violence from fellow soldiers who view them as outsiders or deviants. They may also face difficulty finding support and acceptance within their unit or community. This social stigma can lead to a lack of belonging and trust, which can negatively impact their ability to perform their duties effectively.
A third form of double stigma experienced by LGBT individuals serving in militarized and traditionalist contexts is institutional stigma. Institutional stigma refers to policies, practices, and structures that discriminate against certain groups. The military has strict rules and regulations around sexuality and gender expression, which can make it difficult for LGBT individuals to serve openly.
Some cultures place a high value on traditional gender roles, which can make it difficult for LGBT individuals to be accepted as equals within their communities. These barriers can prevent LGBT individuals from advancing in their careers or achieving leadership positions.
LGBT individuals who serve in the military and come from cultures where traditional gender roles are highly valued may experience double stigma due to their identity and occupation. This can take the form of internalized stigma, social stigma, and institutional stigma. It is important for military leaders to address these issues and create inclusive environments where all service members feel safe and supported regardless of their identity. By doing so, we can ensure that our military remains strong and effective while promoting equality and diversity.
What forms of double stigma affect LGBT individuals serving in militarized and traditionalist contexts?
LGBTQ+ people face various types of stigmas in today's society. One type is the "double stigma," which refers to facing discrimination from both their sexual orientation/gender identity community as well as from mainstream culture (Bergman & Jones, 2014). In militarized and traditionalist contexts such as the military and law enforcement agencies, this can be particularly challenging for LGBT individuals.