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An important part of this research is identifying services provided by military that will help improve support services and healthcare needs of LGBTQ service members. Research conducted indicates the need for services exclusively related to the mental, physical, and psycho-social health care needs of LBGTQ U.S. military. It must be noted that there are higher rates of sexual harassment, sexual assaults, homelessness, and unemployment among military service members. In order to understand needs of LGBTQ military, an examination of the availability of social care networks, social support, quality of life indicators to include the physical and mental health outcomes must be administered. Examining the perception of LGBT military members is also critical to research as it helps identify how unit cohesion impacts sexual orientation concealment behaviors, sexual orientation disclosure behaviors, and sexual orientation–based harassment experiences. For this research it’s important to examine how attitudes and behaviors affect the way heterosexual service member’s interaction with LGBT military members which potentially affect unit cohesion causing an increase in cases related to discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual assaults on LGBTQ service members.

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An important part of this research is identifying services provided by military that will help improve support services and healthcare needs of LGBTQ service members and veterans. Research conducted indicates the need for services exclusively related to the mental, physical, and psycho-social health care needs of LBGT U.S. military and veterans. It must be noted that there are higher rates of sexual harassment, sexual assaults, homelessness, and unemployment among military and veterans. In order to understand needs of LGBTQ military and veterans, we must examine the availability of social care networks, social support; understand quality of life indicators to include the physical and mental health outcomes associated with social care networks and social support. Examining the perception of LGBTQ military members is also critical to research as it helps identify how unit cohesion impacts sexual orientation concealment behaviors, sexual orientation disclosure behaviors, and sexual orientation–based harassment experiences. For my research it’s important for me to examine how attitudes and behaviors affect the way heterosexual service member’s interaction with LGBTQ military members which potentially affect unit cohesion causing an increase in cases related to discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual assaults on LGBTQ service members. Due to the significance of changes in policies, the literature review will provide more insight into policies impacting by the repeal of DADT while examining how they have largely affected LGBTQ U.S. military service members.

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Due to recent ruling allowing transgender to openly serve in the military, research indicates that one limiting factor would be smaller sample size of transgender military service members. (Parco, Levy, & Spears, 2014). There is also a limitation regarding the lack of experience and training of military and civilian psychologists have when it comes to assisting mental health needs of LGBTQ service members. Lastly, smaller sample sizes will be limited due to researcher’s current location in Japan where same-sex marriage is not legally recognized. For this study, we will refer to domestic partnership laws for U.S. military legally married same-sex couples living in Japan.

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Assumptions related to this mixed method phenomenological based research study determined that information is based gather through the use of interviews being conducted online via email or by telephone due to the nature of data being collected. Being that sensitive information will be included, a safe and protected area must be used to conduct individual interviews. Researcher concludes that conducting research through the use of email and online would also create a larger geographical population of participants.

The next assumption in relation to this research study is that participants will provide honest and accurate information related questions being asked during this study.  Participants are assumed to be open and honest, expressing their true beliefs, opinions and thoughts regarding this research study.

The final assumption related to this research study regarding unit cohesion is that there is no scientific evidence proving that LGBTQ military personnel are less capable of performing military tasks than their heterosexual counterparts. Existing literature has indicated that unit cohesion is a commitment among human beings regardless of sexual orientation and gender. (Vaughn, 2014, p. 96).

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Armed Forces – Refers to the combined military, to include, the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps or Navy; including active duty, National Guard and Reserve components. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Bias - An instance of such prejudice. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Cohesion - The act or state of sticking together tightly. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) - Federal law that denies federal recognition of same-sex marriages and authorizes states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages licensed in other states. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Discrimination - Unfair treatment of someone because of their religion, race, or other personal features. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Domestic partner - Either member of an unmarried, cohabiting, and esp. homosexual couple that seeks benefits usu. available only to spouses. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) Policy - A member of the armed forces shall be separated from the armed forces under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense if that the member has engaged in, attempted to engage in, or solicited another to engage in a homosexual act or acts.

Equal Protection - The constitutional guarantee under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that states no person or class of persons shall be denied the same protection of the laws that is enjoyed by other persons or other classes in like circumstances in their lives, liberty, property, and pursuit of happiness. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Equality - The state of being equal, especially in having the same rights, status, and opportunities. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Human Rights - The rights that everyone should have in a society, including the right to express opinions about the government or to have protection from harm. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Inclusion - The belief that all people should feel that they are included in society, even if they lack some advantages. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD - A psychological reaction occurring after experiencing a highly stressing event (such as wartime combat, physical violence, or a natural disaster) that is usually characterized by depression, anxiety, flashbacks, recurrent nightmares, and avoidance of reminders of the event. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Prejudice -Injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of one's rights. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Repeal - To revoke or abrogate by legislative enactment. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Service member - A person serving in the armed forces. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

Sexual Based Discrimination Refers to both gender discrimination and sexual orientation discrimination.(https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/sex.cfm).

Sexual Orientation – A person's sexual identity in relation to the gender to which they are attracted; the fact of being heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual. (https://carm.org/what-is-sexual-orientation).

Transgender - An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Being transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation. Therefore, transgender people may identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

U.S. Military - Refers to service members in the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps or Navy; including Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve status. (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

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This mixed method phenomenological based research study consists of three literature streams that will serve as the research study’s framework. This study will begin by first providing insight into the background of the DADT repeal, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and equal protections clauses. Next, it will serve as a framework to identify the effects and impact of DADT repeal and legalization of same sex marriages as they relate to policy changes concerning benefits, healthcare, and unit cohesion for LGBTQ military service members. Lastly, this study will address enhancements made by military to combat these concerns.

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Choosing a research topic proves to be a difficult task for most doctoral students but being able to accurately frame your focus of interest coincides with Machi and McEvoy’s (2016) logic of defining your research topic. My approach to framing my focus of interest was highly related to my prior enlistment as an active duty military service member. I started researching different topics and gathering information related to the military, focusing on changes they’ve made over the past ten years. A big part of those changes were to align with new laws and procedures, regarding diversity and equal opportunity for all service members and veterans specially the LGBTQ population.

As a researcher I found this topic to be one of importance due to my personal experiences interacting, serving, and working alongside with several LGBTQ U.S. military personnel throughout my 12-year military service career. Seeing and talking to LGBTQ affected by DADT was very disheartening knowing that there were individuals serving with me who felt discriminated against due to their sexual preference. Most living a lie as they could not reveal their sexual preference for fear of being discharged from military service. Over the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to witness and celebrate with friends as the repeal of DADT and eventually the legalization of same-sex marriage came into effect, causing numerous changes toward benefits, healthcare and polices affecting LGBTQ to take place, fully diversifying our armed forces. These policy changes are what led to my research study to examine the impact of the DADT repeal on LGBTQ U.S. military service members.

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A 2016 Rand Corp. study commissioned by the Defense Department concluded that letting transgender people serve openly would have a "minimal impact" on readiness and health care costs, largely because there are so few in the military's 1.3 million-member force.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/26/politics/trump-military-transgender/index.html

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Since this study is attempting to understand the impact of the DADT repeal and same-sex marriage legalization for LGBTQ U.S. military personnel the researcher took into account current literature on the qualitative method of phenomenology. Additionally, because of the military’s previously discriminatory policies regarding the service of LGBTQ, the researcher will create a sample frame that accounts for possible concerns of participants regarding the following: (a) confidentiality, (b) safety, and (c) retaliation. Safety is a top priority, so the researcher will ensure participants feel safe and comfortable providing answering questions related to research study. The researcher will consider all concerns to design the study’s population, sample, and sampling strategies.

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Interviews will be conducted will be web-based interviews yielding digitally recorded data with individual interviews averaging 30-45 minutes in length. Interviews and case studies will be conducted over a 6-month timeframe with anonymous email accounts being used with a fake name for participant.  In consideration of participants’ time schedules and other obligations researcher will work around time of participants and be available based on participants’ needs.

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Possible Research Approaches and Brief Rational

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Possible Research Approaches and Brief Rational

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This study will utilize a phenomenological qualitative method to investigate the effects and impact of the DADT repeal and same-sex marriage legalization as they relate to policy changes concerning benefits, healthcare, and unit cohesion for LGBTQ military service members. According to Capilano University, “the goal of qualitative phenomenological research is to describe a "lived experience" of a phenomenon”.  The phenomenological approach will allow the researcher to identify LGBTQ U.S. military service members, before and after the repeal of don’t ask, don’t tell. This study will also use a transcendental phenomenology approach by conducting interviews and using a case study approach that will allow participants to describe the phenomenon. Clark Moustakas (1994) states that within “transcendental phenomenology, specific steps such as bracketing out the researcher's possible prejudices and supporting the study's findings with select quotes from participants ensured the results of the study paralleled the subjects' perception of the phenomenon.” The researcher will thoroughly examine any experiences or possible biases regarding DADT or other sexual orientation policies, to avoid any influences with the study.

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The sample for this study will focus on LGBTQ U.S. military personnel on a military installation in Georgia. This study's population will consist of: (a) gay men, (b) lesbians, (c) bisexual, (d) transgender, (e) currently serving in the U.S. military, (f) who had also served during the DADT era. In order to understand policies changes that have impacted LGBTQ serving during DADT and the DADT repeal, it important to study those that have an established history in the military before and after the DADT repeal. This provide the researcher with participants who have profound experiences regarding the military’s sexual orientation policies. Participants with limited experience will not be able to reflect/compare and contrast their experiences in the military before and after the DADT repeal.

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The literature review will begin by presenting the history of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal and legalization of same-sex marriage. Then, go on to identify the effects and impact of the DADT repeal and same-sex marriage legalization as they relate to policy changes concerning benefits, healthcare, and unit cohesion for LGBTQ military service members. Lastly, the literature review will address enhancements made by the U.S. military to promote and support the rights of LGBTQ U.S. military service members. Relevant studies and theoretical frameworks related to this study will be discussed to address the effects and impact of the DADT repeal and same-sex marriage legalization as they relate to policy changes concerning benefits, healthcare, and unit cohesion for LGBTQ military service members.

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Research Question Focused on Solution Finding

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Research Question Focused on Solution Finding

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This mixed methods research study will examine the impact of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) Repeal Act of 2010 and the U.S. Supreme Court ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges, legalizing same-sex marriages in 2015 regarding the recognition of equal rights and benefits for U.S. military members, by considering the following:

Central Question: What are the effects and impact of changes related to benefits, specifically healthcare services for   lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer military personnel?

Sub-question 1: Have health care needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning  people in military been identified and if so, what steps has the federal government taken to address needs and enhance outcomes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning service members?

Sub-question 2: What has the United States military done to enhance communication to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning  service members, and their families about benefits, services, and programs?

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Preliminary research has shown that little has been done to address gaps in policies and services regarding the availability and access of care in relation to mental health care, social support, and other services for LGBTQ people when comparing them to heterosexual counterparts. (Kamarck, 2016). Unfortunately, these issues have huge effects on the mental health and security of LGBTQ military service members ultimately leading to disruptions regarding the effectiveness of unit cohesion and readiness within the military. (Goldbach & Castro, 2016).

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Due to recent changes in laws and policies regarding LGBTQ persons in the military, there is an increased need to identify and examine benefits, healthcare, support services, and unit cohesion as they relate to LGBTQ U.S. military service members. (Kamarck, 2016).

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Statement of the Problem to be Researched 

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Statement of the Problem to be Researched 

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Over the last few years, there has been a lot of discussion regarding the discrimination and inequalities of LGBTQ persons. Gay rights activists have been actively lobbying to amend state laws regarding the ban on same-sex marriages as well as military laws prohibiting LGBTQ persons from openly serving in the military. (Goldbach & Castro, 2016). Due to the recent DADT Repeal Act of 2010 and the U.S. Supreme Court ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges, legalizing same-sex marriages in 2015, (Vaughn, 2014) there is a need to examine, review, and modify policies; unify and extend benefits, healthcare services, and support services, while providing protection rights for all LGBTQ service members. (Goldbach & Castro, 2016).

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EDUC 810:  Research Design II
Equal Rights for LGBTQ Military Service Members

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Obama Signs 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal

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Bill reverses 17-year ban on gays serving openly in the military. For more, click here: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-obama-signs-repeal-dont-law/story?id=12457296

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Trump to reinstate US military ban on transgender people

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President Donald Trump announced that he plans to reinstate a ban on transgender individuals from serving "in any capacity" in the US armed forces. CNN's Barbara Starr reports.

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On September 3, 2013, the Department of Defense officially extended spousal and family benefits to same-sex couples. Here's the story of a couple utilizing those benefits.

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Military Life and Love Before and After 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' | Make Now Matter

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Shawn & Thomas have had two very distinct experiences dealing with being gay and in the military. They were the 'First Kiss' in Navy history. Learn More: http://forgood.kennethcole.com/. ***Subscribe to RYOT for more: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=RYOTFoundation What are your thoughts on the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS?