When it comes to sex, sexuality, and gender identity, most people think that soldiers are tough guys who don't care about those things.
This is far from the truth because many soldiers struggle with their own identities when they are in a unit where there is no space for them to express themselves freely. This leads to several problems, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and even suicide attempts. But how do soldiers negotiate these issues in male-dominated or heteronormative units?
There are various ways through which soldiers can express their sexuality in the army. Firstly, soldiers have to hide their sexual orientation so that they can fit into the military culture. Some soldiers will hide their sexuality by pretending to be straight, while others might try to find like-minded people within the same unit. Soldiers also engage in anonymous sex without revealing their identity.
Some soldiers meet up with other soldiers in dark places for quick encounters without exchanging names or numbers. In addition, some soldiers form secret relationships with other members of their units and keep them hidden from the rest.
Some soldiers may even develop romantic feelings for fellow soldiers or civilian employees during their service. These relationships can be complicated because they are forbidden by the military regulations. The army discourages intimacy between soldiers due to the risk of creating distractions and breaking the chain of command.
Some soldiers manage to maintain secret relationships for years before separating at the end of their service.
Sexual harassment is another issue that soldiers face in the army. Male soldiers often make sexual comments to female soldiers, and vice versa. Sexual assaults are common too, and it's not unusual to hear cases of rape or molestation in the barracks. Soldiers who report sexual abuse are often ignored or punished, making it difficult for victims to seek justice.
The army does not support any form of non-heterosexual behavior among its soldiers, which makes it harder for those who identify as something other than heterosexual to express themselves freely. As a result, these soldiers feel isolated and alone, and this affects their mental health. It's crucial for soldiers to have access to counseling services where they can talk about their issues openly.
How do soldiers negotiate sexual identity and expression in male-dominated or heteronormative units?
Soldiers who identify as LGBTQ+ face unique challenges when it comes to navigating their sexuality and gender identity within male-dominated military units that are steeped in traditional gender norms and hierarchies. These individuals may experience feelings of isolation, fear of discrimination, and difficulty finding support networks among peers who may not share similar identities or experiences.