Overt Discrimination
Overt discrimination is defined as "treating someone unfairly because they belong to a particular group". This type of discrimination can take many forms, but it usually involves blatant acts of prejudice or mistreatment based on a person's identity. In the context of military units, this could include things like denying promotions or special assignments to LGBT individuals due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. While these actions may be obvious and easy to identify, they can have a profound effect on trust within the unit. When members of a unit see that others are being treated differently based solely on their personal characteristics, it creates an environment where trust is difficult to build.
Subtle Discrimination
Subtle discrimination is more subtle and difficult to detect than overt discrimination. It often takes the form of microaggressions - small, everyday comments or behaviors that reinforce negative stereotypes about a marginalized group. These actions may seem harmless on the surface, but they can add up over time to create an atmosphere of distrust and exclusion.
If a commanding officer consistently uses gendered language when referring to subordinates (such as calling male soldiers "boys" or female soldiers "girls"), it can make LGBT service members feel unwelcome and uncomfortable in their unit.
The effects of both overt and subtle discrimination on relational trust within LGBT couples can be significant. When members of a couple experience discrimination from their peers, they may become hesitant to share intimate details of their relationship with others for fear of judgment or rejection. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can damage the bond between partners. In addition, when one member of a couple experiences discrimination while the other does not, it can create tension and resentment within the relationship.
In order to address these issues, military units must work to create a culture of inclusion and respect. Leaders should be trained to recognize and address acts of discrimination, whether overt or subtle, and take steps to ensure that all members are treated fairly and equally.
Individuals who witness or experience discrimination should feel comfortable reporting incidents without fear of retaliation. By creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, we can begin to build a more positive and inclusive military community.
How do experiences of overt and subtle discrimination within military units affect relational trust among LGBT couples?
### Overcoming the impact of discrimination on trust between LGBTQ+ couples can be challenging for many reasons. One reason is that it often leads to feelings of isolation, which can make it difficult for individuals to connect with others who have similar experiences. Additionally, discrimination can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety, which can further hinder an individual's ability to trust others.