Sexual Orientation Stigmatization and Identity Work for Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals in the U.S. Military

Abstract

This study examines communicative stigmatization processes and their influence on self-concept clarity for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals (GLB) in the United States military. In-depth interviews were conducted with GLB (N = 16) military service members and veterans, and data were analyzed using grounded theory analysis. Findings revealed that GLB identity repudiation incites feelings of identity incongruity for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals in the U.S. military. GLB identity repudiation was composed of three key communicative practices. Further, because non-heterosexuality was viewed as seemingly incompatible with the military identity, many participants struggled to integrate their two social identities effectively. As such, participants employed several strategies to manage their conflicting sexual and role identities.