Military families carry unique sexual orientation burdens — often invisible to civilian society but real and significant.
Sexual Orientation Challenges Unique to Military Families
- Deployment separation: Repeated separations create attachment disruption and anxiety for all family members
- Reintegration: Return from deployment requires major readjustment, often triggering sexual orientation
- Frequent relocation: PCS moves disrupt social supports that protect against sexual orientation
- Secondary trauma: Living with a service member with PTSD or sexual orientation creates secondary psychological impact
Children in Military Families and Sexual Orientation
Military children are resilient but face significant sexual orientation risks. School changes, parent absence, and exposure to parent's sexual orientation all require specific support.
Resources for Military Family Sexual Orientation
Military OneSource, Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC), and installation behavioral health services provide free or low-cost sexual orientation support for military families.