LGBT Couples: Trust & Intimacy During Deployments
I will discuss how lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) couples navigate trust and intimacy during deployments to hostile environments. These couples face unique challenges that can make it difficult for them to maintain healthy relationships while apart. They must find ways to communicate effectively, stay connected emotionally, and build trust in order to overcome these obstacles. By understanding the issues they face and developing strategies to deal with them, LGBT couples can remain strong and united even when physically apart.
Trust is an essential component of any relationship, but it can be particularly important in military marriages where separation is common. When one partner goes away on deployment, there may be concerns about infidelity or betrayal. To address these fears, both partners must work hard to establish clear boundaries and communicate openly. This means being honest about feelings and needs, setting expectations, and honoring agreements. It also means avoiding temptations that could lead to cheating, such as flirting with other people or engaging in risky behaviors.
Intimacy is another critical element of a healthy relationship. In many cases, physical contact between partners becomes limited or impossible during deployments. This lack of touch and closeness can strain emotional bonds and create tension. To compensate, LGBT couples need to find new ways to connect. This might involve sharing private thoughts and experiences through emails or letters, scheduling regular video chats, or sending small gifts or tokens of affection. They should also set aside time to focus on each other when reunited, whether it's talking about their day or just cuddling together.
Both trust and intimacy require vulnerability and courage. As one partner leaves for danger and uncertainty, he or she must have faith that his/her spouse will honor commitments and stay faithful. The remaining partner must resist the urge to feel jealous or suspicious and instead take comfort in knowing that his/her loved one is safe. Overcoming these challenges requires patience, understanding, and empathy from both parties.
Navigating trust and intimacy during military deployments presents unique difficulties for LGBT couples. By taking steps to build trust and maintain intimacy, however, they can remain strong and unified even when apart. With determination and effort, they can weather any storm and come out stronger than before.
How do LGBT couples navigate trust and intimacy during deployments in hostile environments?
The Department of Defense reports that over 40,000 transgender individuals are serving on active duty across all branches of the US military (Dickstein & de Vogue, 2016). This statistic also includes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer service members as well.