Under-served and overlooked: The need for LGBTQ2SIA+ military family research in Canada

Abstract: This article uses the current body of research to explore the need for military family research that deliberately includes LGBTQIA2S+ military families. Much of the existing research intentionally or unintentionally excludes these families, and this exclusion could result in the creation of programs, support services, and policies that do not consider or meet their unique needs. To ensure these diverse voices are heard, more intentional inclusion of LGBTQIA2S+ families in Canadian military research is needed to support their service to the country. Research shows that a bidirectional relationship exists between the health and well-being of military members and their families. Military family research identified many gaps in the current knowledge base, including minimal existing research and a lack of diversity in the families represented, including LGBTQIA2S+ families, who have unique experiences and needs. The Canadian military has a fraught history with its LGBTQIA2S+ members, including homophobic and transphobic policies and practices, the most well-known being the Purge, which was the sanctioned investigation, harassment, and removal of LGBTQIA2S+ members (and those suspected to be LGBTQIA2S+). This history created a unique context in which these members live and work. Despite this, there is a dearth of research specifically geared toward learning more about the experiences of LGBTQIA2S+ members and their families. This article situates the need for dedicated LGBTQIA2S+ military family research in Canada to advocate for expanded programs, services, and policies to move forward the Canadian Armed Forces' (CAF) defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, to ensure all members of the CAF and their families feel heard and supported. La recherche montre qu'il existe une relation bidirectionnelle entre la sante et le bienetre des militaires et leurs familles. La recherche sur les familles des militaires a permis de relever de nombreuses lacunes dans les connaissances actuelles, notamment le petit nombre de recherches existantes et l'absence de diversite dans les familles representees, en particulier les familles LGBTQ2IA+, qui ont des experiences et des besoins uniques. Les Forces armees canadiennes (FAC) ont un lourd passe en ce qui concerne leurs membres LGBTQ2IA+, y compris des politiques et des pratiques homophobes et transphobes, dont la plus connue est << la purge >>, a savoir la recherche, le harcelement et le renvoi, autorises, des membres des Forces appartenant a la communaute LGBTQ2IA+ (ou soupconnes d'y appartenir). Ce passe a force ces militaires a vivre et a travailler dans un contexte unique. Malgre cela, les recherches portant specifiquement sur la comprehension des experiences vecues par les membres LGBTQ2IA+ des Forces et leurs familles sont extremement rares. Cet article souligne la necessite de consacrer des travaux de recherche aux familles des militaires LGBTQ2IA+ au Canada, afin de donner des arguments a un elargissement des programmes, des services et des politiques qui fera progresser la politique de defense Protection, Securite, Engagement des FAC et garantira a chaque membre des FAC et a sa famille de l'ecoute et du soutien.