Illustration by: Melissa Currie
In recent years, we have witnessed progress in the fight for LGBT+ rights and equality. Laws have been changed, public attitudes have shifted, and more individuals are openly embracing their true identities. However, despite these advancements, discrimination against LGBT+ people persists in various parts of the world, inflicting both human suffering and severe economic consequences. It is necessary for us, as a society and politicians, to recognize the economic impact of LGBT+ discrimination and take decisive steps towards inclusivity. As Lee Badgett, an economist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has demonstrated, discriminatory policies can cost a country up to 1% of its gross domestic product. This finding should a serve call for politicians to reevaluate their stance on LGBT+ issues and acknowledge the impact their policies have on the nation’s economic health.
Discrimination has deep-rooted consequences that affect every level of an individual’s life, starting with education. When LGBT+ students face prejudice, intolerance, and violence at schools, their ability to learn is disrupted, leading to higher drop-out rates and lower academic achievements. A 2018 UNESCO report found that some Asian countries, like Thailand and the Philippines, witness high drop-out rates among LGBT+ students, particularly transgender learners. This early discrimination stifles their potential and weakens human capital, the bedrock of a thriving economy.
In the workforce, discrimination results in occupational segregation, limited opportunities for promotions, and increased chances of job loss. In the United States, many LGBT+ workers have left their jobs due to workplace discrimination. A 2021 survey by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law reported that 8.9% of LGBT+ workers faced job denials or layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic due to their sexuality. Such discrimination robs the economy of talent, creativity, and productivity, impending the overall growth.
Moreover, discriminatory policies can create a climate of fear and concealment, forcing LGBT+ individuals to hide their identities or orientations. In India, concerns about LGBT+ rights and the delay in passing same-sex marriage laws have led to a phenomenon known as the “gay brain drain,” where queer people are compelled to leave the country. This exodus deprives nations of their brightest minds, depriving the economy of their potential contributions.
Discriminatory laws also deter foreign investment, damaging the economic prospects of entire countries. Business coalitions like Open for Business have found that countries without punitive laws against LGBT+ individuals experience higher rates of foreign direct investment. On the contrary, nations with discriminatory policies, like Uganda, have seen their attractiveness to foreign investors plummet. The policy choices of governments can directly influence a country’s economic fortunes.
Tourism, a significant revenue generator for many countries, also takes a hit due to exclusionary measures. Open for Business revealed that the Caribbean region lost millions in tourism revenue because of a lack of inclusive policies, dissuading potential tourists from the U.K., U.S., and Canada. In a globalized world, travelers pay attention to countries’ human rights records, and discriminatory laws can steer them away, damaging a crucial sector of the economy.
Politicians must recognize that embracing LGBT+ equality isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic economic decision. Inclusive societies attract the best talents, encourage innovation, and foster creativity. Nations that ensure equal rights for all citizens create an environment where businesses thrive, and individuals feel empowered to contribute fully to the economy.
However, despite mounting evidence of the economic benefits of LGBT+ inclusion, some politicians remain hesitant to support equality. Public support for social conservatism, driven by deeply rooted cultural norms and beliefs, often influences their decisions. They fear losing favor with a section of their constituents if they champion LGBT+ rights, which they perceive as a departure from tradition.
This reluctance is short-sighted and disregards the long-term economic consequences of discrimination. By failing to take decisive steps towards inclusivity, politicians impede economic growth and perpetuate an environment that stifles innovation and progress. They must recognize that supporting LGBT+ rights is not just a political choice; it is an economic necessity to support basic human rights.
To bridge this gap, public awareness and education are crucial. When politicians and policymakers fully understand the economic ramifications of discrimination, they are more likely to advocate for equality. It is essential to engage in open dialogues that challenge prejudiced viewpoints, debunk myths, and highlight the economic potential of embracing LGBT+ rights.
LGBT+ discrimination is not only a human rights issue; it is a significant economic challenge. We must create an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can thrive and contribute to the economy. Policymakers must have the courage to stand up against discrimination, prioritize inclusivity, and invest in the economic prosperity that diversity brings. Only then can we build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits everyone. Together we can secure this opportunity to usher in a new era of economic growth, one that embraces the diverse talents and perspectives of all individuals.
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