Latina identity and military enlistment: The intersection of race, ethnicity, and gender

Abstract Despite the increase in literature on women veterans and women in the military, little is known about Latina experiences during and after military service, particularly from the Gulf War and Post‐9/11 eras. This qualitative study utilizes critical feminist theory to explore the complex intersections of cultural, gendered, and sexual identities among Latinas while serving in the U.S. military from the Gulf War and Post‐9/11 eras. Drawing on 14 semi‐structured interviews with Latina veterans and those actively serving in the U.S. military. The interviews revealed themes highlighting how women's intersecting identities and shaped encounters with military sexual trauma (MST) and ethnic and gender discrimination. The findings revealed that identity conflicted with Latinas' experiences at every stage of military service, from enlistment, active duty, and post‐service life as veterans, because of deeply rooted cultural, ethnic, and gender norms. While many are proud of their military service, some struggle to personally claim their veteran identity or be recognized for their service, which creates a sense of dis‐belonging. Many participants transformed these experiences into mentoring, working with veteran organizations, and social justice advocacy, which can be understood through the lens of spiritual activism.