The LGBT community has been historically marginalized and discriminated against, but recently there have been efforts to include them into military operations.
It is still challenging for LGBT service members to maintain their identities, relational cohesion, and mental health while serving under pressure. This paper will explore how they can manage these issues and keep themselves stable.
1) Maintaining Identity Authenticity
LGBT individuals may feel like they cannot express their true selves while serving due to fear of judgement or social stigma. Therefore, some strategies to help them stay authentic are finding a supportive community within the armed forces, being open about their identity with trusted colleagues, and participating in LGBT-specific events outside of work.
2) Relational Cohesion
Maintaining strong relationships with others is crucial for mental well-being during times of stress. For LGBT service members, this involves building bonds through shared experiences such as training exercises or deployments and communicating regularly with loved ones back home. It also means connecting with fellow soldiers who share similar backgrounds or interests.
3) Emotional Well-Being
Emotional resilience requires managing feelings effectively, seeking professional help if needed, practicing self-care activities like exercise or meditation, and finding meaningful hobbies that promote relaxation.
Connecting with allies within the military can provide emotional support and reduce isolation.
4) Conclusion
LGBT service members face unique challenges regarding identity expression, relationship development, and emotional stability.
There are strategies they can use to navigate these difficulties successfully. By implementing these techniques into daily life, they can remain authentic, connected, and mentally healthy despite operational pressures.
This article explored how LGBT service members maintain their identities, relational cohesion, and emotional well-being under operational pressure. It discussed specific ways that individuals can stay true to themselves while serving, connect with others emotionally and physically, and manage their emotions effectively.
How do LGBT service members maintain identity authenticity, relational cohesion, and emotional well-being under operational pressure?
LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) service members face unique challenges related to their sexual orientation or gender identity during military operations. These individuals must balance their personal needs for identity expression, relationship building, and mental health with the demands of military service. Maintaining identity authenticity is crucial for LGBT service members who may experience feelings of isolation and marginalization due to the lack of support from peers or commanders.