We know that homophobia harms LGBT individuals in many ways, but economist M. V. Lee Badgett argues that in addition to moral and human rights reasons for equality, we can now also make a financial argument. Finding that homophobia and transphobia cost 1% or more of a country’s GDP, Badgett expertly uses recent research and statistics to analyze how these hostile practices and environments affect both the US and global economies.
Discriminatory laws, people being fired from jobs for their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, harassment and bullying in school, violence and hate crimes on the streets, exclusion from intolerant families, and health effects of stigma all make it incredibly difficult to live a good life. Examining the consequences of anti-LGBT practices across multiple countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, India and the Philippines, Badgett reveals the expensive repercussions of hate and discrimination, and how our economy loses when we miss out on the full benefit of LGBT people’s potential contributions.
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What people are saying about The Economic Case for LGBT Equality
“The denial of LGBT equality is morally wrong. Lee Badgett’s superbly researched book also shows the immense economic losses that result from this inhumanity. Eye-opening in its global scope, The Economic Case for LGBT Equality is a must-read for all business leaders and policymakers.”
“The author’s concise, sound arguments demonstrate why it is necessary to “expand freedom and equality” across the globe. Both a convincing discussion and a call to reformative action for LGBT equality across economic sectors of the world.”
Named one of “12 books of 2020 all managers who want to build diverse and happy teams should order right now”.
“Badgett’s logical arguments and copious evidence will resonate with business leaders and policy makers, and human rights activists will appreciate her good-faith efforts to reassure them that the economic and moral arguments for reform are complementary. This cogent account makes a persuasive case that everyone benefits from LGBTQ equality.”
“Lee Badgett is the premier economist working on LGBT issues today—and perhaps ever. In this tough-minded, far-ranging, and accessible volume, she crisply articulates the benefits of LGBT inclusion across multiple domains, including education, employment, and health. Along the way, she illuminates why advocates of LGBT rights should embrace economic arguments, which support rather than supplant their moral claims.”
“One of the world’s leading authorities on the economics of the LGBT experience, Lee Badgett articulates the importance of granting LGBT community members full and equal participation in basic economic, education, health, social, and political settings. This well-written and impactful resource offers business leaders an in-depth analysis on the significance of driving LGBT inclusion in the workplace and marketplace.”
“I wish people would support LGBTIQ rights because it is the moral and just thing to do, but if not, The Economic Case for LGBT Equality provides the evidence to confirm what many of us know firsthand: homophobia, transphobia, and patriarchy not only keep LGBTIQ people in poverty or compensated less compared with their straight or cisgender counterparts, but they also cause entire nations to lose. When LGBTIQ people can’t bring their full selves into the workforce, creativity is stifled and opportunity lost. No employer can afford to lose talent, no nation can afford to lose revenue, and no person should be marginalized economically because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This book has the potential to persuade even the most ambivalent that LGBTIQ rights matter for everyone, and every person with power should read it.”
“The Economic Case for LGBT Equality deserves to be a best seller. LGBTQI people in Uganda and around the world are often conceived as a high business risk since employers are unwilling to address cases of harassment and discrimination. As a result, not only do LGBTQI individuals lose out on important employment opportunities, but M. V. Lee Badgett shows that companies’ bottom lines are adversely affected as well. This articulate and convincing book for why fairness truly benefits us all should be read by all organizations, activists, and governments.”
“In this book she compiles an impressive collection of evidence to argue that increasing LGBT equality improves economic outcomes not only for LGBT people but also for companies and entire countries.”
— Andrew Stevens, economist, The Christian Century