Between Policy and Identity: How Institutional Barriers, Political Climate, and Social Norms Shape Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Experiences, Identity Formation, and Sense of Belonging

Introduction: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth face systemic barriers to recognition, safety, and mental health support. Although legal progress has advanced in certain societies, shifting political climates, religious ideologies, and entrenched social norms continue to restrict access to rights and services. Israel presents a compelling case study, where progressive legal structures coexist with rising political conservatism and strong religious influences. Method: This qualitative study explored how mental health professionals perceive the institutional, political, and cultural challenges faced by SGM youth in Israel. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 professionals (65% women; aged 27–64, M = 47.45) from various therapeutic, educational, and healthcare settings between May and October 2024. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three key themes emerged: (a) institutional policies act as gatekeepers, particularly in education and healthcare; (b) political and religious climate poses a dual threat to visibility and inclusion; and (c) social norms, including heteronormativity and militarism, regulate identity expression. Participants described policy inconsistencies, discriminatory practices, and symbolic erasure that undermine identity development, safety, and access to care among SGM youth. Conclusions: Despite formal legal protections, SGM youth in Israel experience systemic exclusion rooted in institutional discretion, politicized discourse, and sociocultural pressures. Mental health professionals often face gatekeeper fatigue while attempting to advocate for their clients in unsupportive systems. Policy Implications: To foster genuine inclusion, policymakers must institutionalize SGM-affirmative policies with enforceable standards across education and healthcare sectors. This includes comprehensive staff training, resource allocation, and culturally responsive interventions. Clear protections must be enacted to safeguard SGM youth rights amid political shifts and religious opposition, particularly in conservative communities.