What is it about?

There has been an increase in diversity among military populations, including growth in the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) service personnel and veterans. It is therefore important to understand the health and wellbeing of these groups. This review of prior research from 2000-2018 found 30 papers that explored: (1) mental health and well-being; (2) stigma and healthcare utilization; (3) sexual trauma; and (4) physical health. The findings highlighted that LGBTQ military personnel and veterans have poorer mental health and well-being; report more stigma and barriers to mental healthcare, which reduces uptake of accessed healthcare services; experience more sexual trauma; and have poorer physical health than heterosexual military personnel and veterans. However, there are substantial gaps in the current evidence for this population - future research should aim to address limitations of the literature and to ensure that data on LGBTQ personnel and veterans is collected as standard.

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Why is it important?

Unfortunately, the inclusion of LGBT people within the military remains an ongoing issue for some Armed Forces. Evidence of discrimination and stigmatization is clear from this review and this can have negative impacts on wellbeing across a range of areas. The review highlights important steps for future research to better understand marginalized experiences within the military.

Perspectives

While this review is based on papers up until 2018, it remains important and topical given proposed changes, and challenges, to the inclusion of all sexualities and gender identities within modern militaries. Key gaps are highlighted for those beginning research in this area or hoping to understand more about the impacts of minority groups within Service.

Dr Rachael Gribble
King's College London

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: The health and well-being of LGBTQ serving and ex-serving personnel: a narrative review, International Review of Psychiatry, January 2019, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2019.1575190.
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