Still “Don’t Ask” more than a decade later: The impact of research barriers for LGB+ military couples

Abstract

Despite the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) over a decade ago, military processes and policies continue to function as significant structural and institutional barriers to research aimed at optimizing resources for military couples and families with marginalized sexual identities. Such research is essential given the apparent mental health and related disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and those with other marginalized sexual identities (LGB+) active-duty service members (SMs), as well as the absence of appropriately tailored resources to support these members of the military community. In this paper, we review the empirical literature on the experiences and psychological health of LGB+ military couples, revealing severe limitations in our understanding of these diverse military romantic partnerships. We illuminate process-related barriers to conducting this essential research through an illustrative case example. Our review concludes with specific recommendations for reform and advocacy distinguished by coordinated efforts inclusive of all five military branches, policymakers, military leaders, researchers, and LGB+ stakeholders.