Wellness strategies to support mental health among transgender U.S. service members

Abstract:Open service in the U.S. military for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA+) community has existed since 2011. Due to this community’s legal status in the armed forces and perceptions about serving safely and authentically, these service members can exhibit mental health issues unique to them from masking or hiding their nature while being called to service. Published research addressing the mental health needs of the LGBTQIA+ military community is still minimal. This systematic literature review (SLR) addressed three research questions about the availability and effectiveness of wellness services during and post-service, with specific attention paid to transgender service members. This SLR reviewed 32 articles, reports, and policy briefs. The conceptual framework is built upon multiple theories as they apply to LGBTQIA+ service members. The findings showed that many resources are not well-known, are highly susceptible to funding cuts, and resource availability is centered around larger cities and Veterans Affairs’ facilities. Civilian programs are not well-known or easy to find. The education of military personnel and civilian medical professionals is crucial to LGBTQIA+ access to resources that support their mental health wellness at a time of instability regarding the LGBTQIA+ community in the military and in post-service.

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