Perceptions and experiences of LGBTQIA+ service personnel and their families: a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis

Abstract

Existing research indicates that LGBTQIA+ military and Emergency First Response service personnel exhibit disproportionately poorer psychological and occupational outcomes than their cisgendered heterosexual counterparts. Coinciding environmental stressors stemming from interaction with industrial settings and social engagement in service communities are emergent. However, research focusing on LGBTQIA+ service personnel's experiences and perceptions, and those of their immediate family, is scarce and where present, varied in population, phenomena, and context. Hence, the study had two primary aims: to examine what the perceptions and experiences of LGBTQIA + Military personnel, Emergency First Responders, and their families are; and to identify industrial facilitators and barriers stemming from experiences, and how LGBTQIA + service personnel and their families perceive social connection and engagement with the service community relative to their sexual or gender minority identity. To do so, a systematic review protocol was developed (PROSPERO registration: XXXX) and enacted, forming a systematic review of relevant qualitative literature. Meta-synthesis was then employed according to the JBI meta-aggregative approach, generating seven synthesised findings from 36 categories derived from 32 studies: 1) experiences accessing healthcare through military organisation; 2) experiences of workplace identity disclosure and associated social perceptions; 3) identity management in response to stress; 4) experiences of workplace culture and its effects on service personnel; 5) experiences of workplace policy and perceptions of its impact; 6) discrimination in the workplace and impacted social perception; and 7) service families. Implications upon service organisation practice and policy were discussed and recommendations made. Key words: emergency first responder, experiences, families, LGBTQIA+, military personnel