Gay Service Members and Veterans
Sought for Research

In this Summer issue of Gay Military Signal we want to share one of the many research project requests we regularly receive regarding research and benefits for our proud patriotic LGBT volunteers and veterans.  Many university-based research projects seek to explore how we have fared after serving under discriminatory policies.  We do our best to select the best projects; however, we make no recommendations for or against participation; that is up to each individual to decide.

Disclaimer: We try to screen out those research projects that seem to seek to show that we are less able and resilient than others who serve or have served.  But, the personal judgment on whether or not to participate, and responsibility for any consequences of participation, is entirely up to the individual, service member, or veteran.    Issues of concern include privacy and personal security, mental stress from being asked about traumatic personal experiences, and personal decisions and consequences resulting from having participated in any of these programs, among others.  All projects explain their assurances of privacy and confidentiality; but it is the responsibility of each individual to decide if participation is safe for themselves.  To be clear: GayMilitarySignal.com, it's editor, and associated individuals and organizations, are not responsible for any decisions to participate or not, and consequences there from, in studies, projects, and programs presented herein.

WANT TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A GAY SERVICE MEMBER?

Wanted: Individuals to participate in a study regarding gays in the military and their experience before and after the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT)

Qualifications: Individuals that wish to participate in this study must meet the following criteria:

1.     Be a self-identified gay man

2.     Served in the U.S. military during the DADT era

3.     Currently serving in the U.S. military

 Study Information: This study is being conducted by Capella University PhD student, Sarah L. Spinks, under the direction of her mentor, Dr. John Herr.  The purpose of the study is to better understand the gay perspective in the U.S. military during and after the Don't Ask, Don't Tell era.  The study will be conducted through e-mail correspondence.  The interviews will continue until the researcher has collected sufficient data or at which time the participant decides to end the interview process.  Participation times will vary from individual to individual depending on the amount of information each participant shares, however, all interviews will conclude within a six-week period.

Benefits of Participation:  Upon completion of the interview process, participants will be able to choose a $20 gift card to Amazon or Starbucks.  Additionally participants will get to be the voice of an unaccounted for, underrepresented population that may signal change for gays in the military.  Finally, participants will be given a finished copy of the study to see how they made a difference.

Contact: If you meet these criteria and would like to participate in this study, please e-mail the researcher, Sarah Spinks at sspinks@capellauniversity.edu for more information. 

Please DO NOT include your name in the e-mail or e-mail address. 

Thank you for your time.