Comfort levels of Active Duty gay/bisexual male Service members in the military healthcare system

Before a revision of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in 2010, sexual behaviors that lesbian, gay, and bisexual service members disclosed to military healthcare providers (MHCPs) were grounds for discharge. However, after the revision, service members either did not know about the revision, or were still uncomfortable approaching MHCPs. This study examined the comfort levels of active duty gay/bisexual males approaching MHCPs about sexuality/sexual health concerns. Using a quantitative descriptive approach, the 31-item survey developed for this study provided initial research data to inform future studies on this topic. The survey was available to participants from March 2 to April 3, 2012. Analyzing responses from 30 participants, the data revealed a strong correlation between service members’ comfort disclosing their sexual orientation to a MHCP and their perception of how the military cares about them as a sexual minority. The data suggested differences in comfort levels among age cohorts disclosing their sexual orientation, in addition to differences between officers and enlisted men concerning the cost of seeing a nonmilitary healthcare provider. MHCPs should understand that establishing a relationship with service members that encourages disclosure can improve their view of the military healthcare system and help address sexual health concerns.