Understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ female veterans

Combat Stress and the Women's Royal Army Corp are currently conducting a qualitative research project, interviewing 10-12 LGBTQ+ female veterans about their experiences during their service careers (serving pre and post the 2000 ban). This research is ongoing and will be published in due course.

Please note that this page contains content that some readers may find upsetting.

Background

Combat Stress is collaborating with the Women's Royal Army Corp (WRAC) to conduct the largest ever study, to date, dedicated to understanding the needs of female veterans.

The multi-disciplinary treatment we provide is tailored to the individual needs and circumstance of each veteran we treat, so it’s essential we understand the range of experiences affecting UK military personnel that can cause or contribute to PTSD. This includes the impact of discrimination, bullying, harassment and abuse.

As part of this study, we identified that female LGBTQ+ veterans reported different experiences during their military careers.

Methods

To explore this further, we set-up a new study to interview a sample of 10 female LGBTQ+ veterans.

Early Findings

We’re still conducting this study, but our early findings show that the majority of our sample felt they had to hide their sexual orientation during their service as they were fearful of the impact on their careers.

Worryingly, within our sample, being a victim of sexual harassment was commonplace.

We aim to formally publish the findings from this study in late 2022.

IS THERE SOMEONE I CAN CALL AND TALK TO?

Our Helpline is open 24/7, please do not hesitate to call if you need someone to talk to or any guidance.

COMBAT STRESS 24/7 FREE HELPLINE 0800 138 1619.

If you require more urgent help, either yourself or a member of your family feel unsafe, please contact your GP or telephone 111.