Military Service Members’ Satisfaction With Outness: Implications for Mental Health

Abstract

This study is among the first examining lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) service members in the United States following the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy repeal. Higher levels of outness predict better mental health among general LGB populations. The military environment, like other traditional/conservative settings, may alter this relation; however, no data are available on outness among LGB service members in the United States. We examined 236 service members’ level of outness and satisfaction with outness in relation to depression and anxiety symptoms. Results revealed greater level of outness was related to higher satisfaction with outness, with each variable related to better mental health. Importantly, satisfaction fully mediated the relation between level of outness and mental health, indicating satisfaction to be a more salient predictor than level alone. Findings relevant to military policy makers and health-care providers are discussed along with recommendations for advancement of research into outness among LGB people.

“Even If the Policy Changes, the Culture Remains the Same”: A Mixed Methods Analysis of LGBT Service Members’ Outness Patterns

“…Similarly, less than 20% of active duty transgender service members reported they were out to unit friends, their whole unit, their commanding officer, and all other military personnel prior to the transgender ban repeal (Hill et al, 2016). The current study’s findings are in accord with a study that found over 70% of LGB service members reported being out to other military members following DADT repeal (Evans et al, 2018). In agreement with perspectives set forth by others, some LGBT service members did report a legacy of anti-LGBT sentiment, a sense of “otherness,” and feeling targeted due to their LGBT identity (Burks, 2011; Castro & Goldbach, 2018).…”

“…Emerging evidence suggests LGB service members disclose their LGB identity at higher rates following DADT repeal, with perhaps as many as 72% of LGB service members being out to at least one fellow service member (Evans et al, 2018). However, for most LGB service members, coming out is complex; Van Gilder (2017) described "strategic self-disclosure" to other service members even after DADT repeal, along with cautious "strategies of openness."…”

“…Emerging evidence suggests LGB service members disclose their LGB identity at higher rates following DADT repeal, with perhaps as many as 72% of LGB service members being out to at least one fellow service member (Evans et al, 2018). However, for most LGB service members, coming out is complex; Van Gilder (2017) described “strategic self-disclosure” to other service members even after DADT repeal, along with cautious “strategies of openness.” For example, gay and bisexual male service members were comfortable disclosing their sexual orientation to their military health care provider, but only if the provider brought up the topic of sexual orientation (Biddix et al, 2013).…”

Acceptance matters: Disengagement and attrition among LGBT personnel in the U.S. military

“…Previous research on this community has found that some LGBT SMs, despite the repeal of DADT and the short-lived initial repeal of the transgender ban, continue to fear negative career repercussions as a result of LGBT disclosure to military colleagues, commanders, medical providers, counsellors, and chaplains. 21,37,45 These findings align with this study's results, because this community noted overall lower unit cohesion and LGBT unit acceptance. Research has found that higher perceived acceptance of one's LGB identity in the unit was associated with a decrease in posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression symptomatology.46 Moreover, Schuyler et al and Klemmer et al found that LGBT SMs are at heightened risk for sexual harassment, assault, and stalking, and one study found that LGBT victimization was associated with elevated mental and physical health symptoms and with accessing mental health treatment.…”

An overview of coming out research: Introducing a three‐lens typology

“…It is worth noting that coming out research paid special attention to work sectors that are considered or known to educate younger generations, reproduce rigid gender roles (e.g., masculinity), and be less LGBTQ+ progressive. This leads to an overlap of different institutions, e.g., the workplace with education (e.g., LGBTQ+ teachers) and sport (e.g., LGBTQ+ athletes) as discussed above, the military and police force (e.g., LGBTQ+ military service members, veterans, and police and law enforcement officers (e.g., Bernstein & Swartwout, 2012; Bérubé, 1990; Collins & Rocco, 2018; Evans et al., 2019; Galvin‐White & O’Neal, 2016; McNamara et al., 2021; Ramirez & Sterzing, 2017; Shilts, 1993)), and two institutions that are separately discussed below, namely secondary health care (e.g., LGBTQ+ therapists) and religion (e.g., LGBTQ+ religious leaders).…”