Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

Jeanna Jacobsen

Abstract

In 2010, the United States Armed Forces ended the policy Don’t Ask, Don’t Tellthat excluded sexual minorities from being able to serve openly in the military. Full military benefits were extended to them and their family members in 2013. Despite these changes, victimization, stigma, and discrimination have continued to impact the lives of service members who identify as a sexual minority, as the result of microaggressions due to their sexual orientation. Past literature has examined experiences of sexual minorities, but little research has focuses on sexual minority women whose minority gender identity creates greater risk to experience micro assaults with the heteronormative, patriarchal military culture. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of female sexual minority service members in the military since 2013. Minority stress theory provided the theoretical framework for this study. Data were gathered through indepth, semistructured interviews from 10 participants from the five branches of service. Themes that emerged through thematic analysis of the data were (a) the influence of sexism and gender and (b) rank and leadership, with a subtheme of disclosing sexual orientation. All the participants noted both sexual harassment and sexism towards women in the military; however, direct experiences varied depending on gender expression and racial identity. Participants reported lack of support from their leaders because of their sex, but depending on feelings of acceptance in the units and ranks, they share sexual identity. The significance of this study provides understanding that can be used to improve and create better services for female sexual minority service members.

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