The US military has made significant progress towards accepting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members.
Many still choose to hide their identity due to fear of discrimination, harassment, or expulsion from service. This article explores the long-term consequences of this concealment on relational and psychological outcomes for LGBT soldiers.
Relational Outcomes
Hiding one's LGBT identity can have negative impacts on interpersonal relationships within the military community.
LGBT soldiers may avoid forming close bonds with others who share similar identities, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. They may also hesitate to discuss personal matters with colleagues or supervisors for fear of revealing their sexual orientation or gender identity, which can limit opportunities for mentorship, support, and career advancement.
Hiding one's identity can create tension between partners if they are also in the military, as secrecy often requires lies and deception that strain trust and intimacy.
LGBT soldiers may feel pressured to maintain a heteronormative façade, making it difficult to form genuine connections with peers and coworkers.
These factors contribute to poorer overall quality of life within the military setting.
Psychological Impacts
The stress of concealing an LGBT identity can take a toll on mental health over time. Soldiers may experience increased anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly if they serve in high-stress environments or face frequent instances of prejudice or discrimination. Hidden identities can also lead to self-doubt and low self-esteem, as soldiers struggle to reconcile their true selves with societal expectations and norms.
Soldiers who hide their identities may engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or promiscuity, as a way to cope with the emotional burden of secrecy. These behaviors can exacerbate existing mental health issues and potentially put themselves and others at risk.
The long-term psychological consequences of concealment can be severe and far-reaching.
What are the long-term consequences of concealment on relational and psychological outcomes for LGBT soldiers?
Concealing one's sexual orientation in the military has both negative impacts on the individual's personal relationships as well as their mental health. Research suggests that individuals who feel they cannot be open about their identity with others have higher levels of depression, lower self-esteem, and increased rates of substance abuse compared to those who are open (Bartlett et al. , 2018).