Army Social Work

Throughout my work as a therapist, researcher, and advocate, I have witnessed the profound resilience, strength, and adaptability of the LGBTQ+ community. Despite facing systemic barriers, rejection, and limited resources, this community has continuously demonstrated an extraordinary ability to come together, foster belonging, and thrive in the face of adversity.

The world has much to learn from this.

We Have the Wrong Idea About LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Too often, the conversation around LGBTQ+ rights is framed as a battle against discrimination—a fight to not take rights away. And while protecting fundamental rights is crucial, we are missing the bigger picture. The real conversation should not just be about defense—it should be about amplification.

LGBTQ+ individuals have historically built networks of support where none existed, created safe spaces where they were unwelcome, and driven social progress despite overwhelming resistance. These are not just stories of survival—they are blueprints for innovation, leadership, and community-building.

LGBTQ+ Resilience as a Model for Innovation and Change

In times of crisis, people seek ways to create connection, adapt, and push forward. The LGBTQ+ community has been doing this for generations. Nearly every sector, from business to healthcare to government, can apply these lessons to solve complex problems, strengthen teams, and drive meaningful change.

• Community-Building: When denied access to traditional support systems, LGBTQ+ individuals created their own, forming chosen families and safe spaces. Organizations can learn from this by prioritizing inclusive cultures and psychological safety.

• Resourcefulness: With limited access to healthcare, employment protections, and social safety nets, LGBTQ+ activists and community leaders have found creative ways to support and uplift one another. This is the kind of innovation and resilience businesses, nonprofits, and governments should be studying and applying.

• Advocacy and Leadership: LGBTQ+ movements have led some of the most significant cultural and legal shifts in history. From marriage equality to workplace protections, change has come from persistent, strategic, and collective action. These same strategies are key to driving any major social or organizational change.

Yet, this potential often remains untapped—not because the knowledge isn’t there, but because too many overlook it. The barrier isn’t ability; it’s awareness.

The One-Inch Barrier of Unawareness

The solutions we seek—whether in mental health, leadership, policy, or community development—are often right in front of us. But we fail to see them. The barrier isn’t a lack of ideas, strategy, or resilience—it’s the one-inch barrier of simply not paying attention.

If we start recognizing the lessons embedded in LGBTQ+ experiences, we unlock a wellspring of insights that can transform the way we approach inclusion, resilience, and problem-solving. The power of this community is not just something to tolerate or protect—it’s something we need to elevate and learn from.

We have far too much to lose by rejecting or dismissing these voices.

I remain committed to listening, advocating, and using my position to elevate these lessons. Inclusion isn’t just an ethical stance—it’s a strategy for progress.

“The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or the Army. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD or Army endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD or Army endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.”