Identity Politics: Theoretical and Practical Approaches

Identity politics is a theoretical and practical approach that emerged from broad discussions on multiculturalism, the influence of social and economic structures, and power relations and inequality. This approach focuses on the struggles of marginalized groups for representation and recognition of their rights, emphasizing their unique experiences and collective identity (Taylor, 1994; Fraser, 2003). It highlights the need for cultural and identity recognition alongside demands for the equitable distribution of social and economic resources. However, some warn of the risks associated with one-dimensional identity politics, which may deepen social divisions and lead to "political fragmentation" rather than fostering cooperation among diverse groups. 

In recent decades, identity politics has become a central focus in studies related to gender, ethnic, and religious minority communities, analyzing processes of marginalization, visibility, and social change (Cohen, 1997; Yuval-Davis, 2011). 

The LGBTQ+ Community and Identity Politics

In the context of the LGBTQ+ community, this politics manifests in the aspiration to reshape public spaces to embrace diverse gender and sexual identities. It underscores the importance of visibility and cultural recognition, acknowledging that equality is not solely measured in legal terms but also in the societal internalization of values such as tolerance, diversity, and equal opportunities (Butler, 1990, 2007; Fraser, 2003). 

The political rhetoric directed toward the LGBTQ+ community in Israeli politics reflects the country’s social and cultural discourse. Politicians and public figures’ statements mirror the values and controversies within society. While some rhetoric supports LGBTQ+ rights and promotes equality, others echo traditional and even hostile attitudes toward the community (Hertal, 2021; Gross, 2017; Shnoor & Berg-Warman, 2019). 

Contrasting Attitudes Toward LGBTQ+ in Israel 

The Israeli context reveals opposing attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community: liberal and conservative. The liberal side advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and social equality, delivering supportive messages through mass media that highlight the well-being and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals in society. Over the past two decades, there has been increased visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals in public spaces and significant social changes in policies and legislation concerning lesbians, gays, transgender people, and bisexuals in Israel (Ziv, 2020). The legal system has developed a relatively liberal approach toward LGBTQ+ individuals, and the secular population, particularly in central Israel, demonstrates tolerance and acceptance. Additionally, the "Israeli LGBTQ+ Youth Organization" has grown significantly, serving as a central support system for LGBTQ+ youth in Israel (Gross, 2014). 

On the conservative side, however, there are overtly homophobic statements from public figures such as military officials and rabbis, which may exacerbate distress, tension, fear, and suicidality among the LGBTQ+ community (Shankman Lachberg, 2020). Israeli society tends to be patriarchal and traditional, characterized by stereotypical masculine imagery reinforced by the security situation and military service (Shilo et al., 2015). Furthermore, conservative religious political parties propagate stereotypical conservative views, strongly condemn the LGBTQ+ community, reinforce stigmas, and impose social sanctions on young LGBTQ+ individuals. These actions intensify the confusion and pressure among young LGBTQ+ people engaged in processes of self-acceptance, self-exposure, and identity formation (Shenkman & Shmotkin, 2010). 

Research Objective

The aim of this study is to critically analyze and interpret how politicians and public figures promote a social agenda opposing the LGBTQ+ community, shaping public discourse that reinforces negative perceptions, restricts freedoms, reduces rights, and hinders legislative efforts.

The proposed study is a qualitative textual study based on a descriptive-interpretive paradigm for the analysis of discourse, style, and rhetoric. The essence of qualitative research lies in the selection and organization of words into a narrative that expresses worldviews, attitudes, thoughts, and beliefs. This narrative not only reflects reality but has the power to influence, shape, and create it. This approach establishes the connection between the analyzed texts and the social, political, and cultural forces that impact their creation and interpretation (Zabar-Ben Yehoshua, 2016). The study focuses on the power of rhetoric in a socio-political context and the transformations and changes in shaping the discourse surrounding the LGBT community. Gitay and Levi (2019) note that the discourse around this community evolves in parallel with cultural, legal, and political changes. Williams and Christiani (2024) emphasize the importance of understanding discourse as a central factor in creating inclusion or exclusion of social groups in public discussions. They highlight how rhetoric can serve as a tool for bridging gaps between different cultural groups. This process demonstrates the creative power of discourse in constructing new social realities and influencing public opinion and decision-making in public spheres. The textual findings were processed using thematic content analysis, a method that enables the identification and construction of central themes from textual data (Braun & Clarke, 2006). This analysis also draws on Fairclough’s (2001) approach to critical discourse analysis, which emphasizes the social contexts and political forces involved in shaping discourse.

The analysis of the findings reveals three main focal points in the extreme and provocative rhetorical discourse aggressively promoted by the conservative side to its audience: (1) Society: opposition to progressivism—resistance to LGBT rights, queer normalization, and social change; (2) Religion: adherence to religious ideology; and (3) Family: the perceived threat to traditional family structures and values. Politicians and public figures address their audience directly, employing rhetoric of confrontation and conflict. Through the use of metaphors and intertextuality, they create an atmosphere of tension, discomfort, and fear regarding social, cultural, and religious transformations. For instance, a particularly striking metaphor borrowed from the realm of health portrays the LGBT community as "sick" and in need of a "cure." They repeatedly emphasize the perceived dangers and uncertainties posed by external and foreign influences, which, they claim, threaten national and religious cohesion. By highlighting the contrast between the "good" and "old" values that must be preserved and the seemingly enlightened and liberal "new," they construct a narrative of protectionism and resistance to change. The study provides new insights into how rhetoric and discourse shape collective consciousness, influence identity politics, and alter social realities. These insights can serve as a foundation for broader discussions among researchers in the fields of language, culture, and society, as well as policymakers and social activists seeking to understand the power of discourse as a driver of social change.

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