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The Economic Case for LGBT Equality: Why Fair and Equal Treatment Benefits Us All
An economist demonstrates how LGBT equality and inclusion within organizations increases their bottom line and allows for countries' economies to flourish
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.
LGBT equality remains a persistent and pertinent issue. The continued passing of 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.
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.
LGBT equality remains a persistent and pertinent issue. The continued passing of 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.
- GenresNonfictionLGBTEconomics
248 pages, Hardcover
First published May 19, 2020
14 people are currently reading
778 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 10, 2025
Interesting, depressing, frustrating, heartbreaking, informative, and tentatively hopeful all at once.
If the appeal to human rights and people's dignity doesn't work, then maybe this can be used as another string to our bow - "the economic case for LGBT equality goes beyond describing empirical reality to have strategic value in efforts to promote public acceptance and social inclusion."
The author argues that the economic case does not detract from the vital importance of human rights, concerns about economic inequalities and capitalism, or the value of unpaid labour. Rather, she offers the economic case as an additional tool that can be used for catching the attention of businesses and government organisations, thereby helping to get a foot in the door and putting LGBT+ equality on the agenda.
This book was published in 2020, and I felt a bit hysterical when reading certain parts, thinking of how things have changed in regards to LGBT+ rights since then. Definitely a worthwhile read.
If the appeal to human rights and people's dignity doesn't work, then maybe this can be used as another string to our bow - "the economic case for LGBT equality goes beyond describing empirical reality to have strategic value in efforts to promote public acceptance and social inclusion."
The author argues that the economic case does not detract from the vital importance of human rights, concerns about economic inequalities and capitalism, or the value of unpaid labour. Rather, she offers the economic case as an additional tool that can be used for catching the attention of businesses and government organisations, thereby helping to get a foot in the door and putting LGBT+ equality on the agenda.
This book was published in 2020, and I felt a bit hysterical when reading certain parts, thinking of how things have changed in regards to LGBT+ rights since then. Definitely a worthwhile read.
June 6, 2020
When the harmful psychological, cultural, and social griefs fail to convince the hardest of hearts, this is what activists need to read to continue making a compelling argument.
Because The Economic Case for LGBT Equality addresses all of the costs that are exasperated by discrimination. Including the one not often mentioned by those who are (rightly) incensed: the socioeconomic contributions of independent LGBT workers. What politicians and corporations will look at in the long run.
If history is any indication, a traumatic story just isn't enough for making peaceful changes stick.
While more socioeconomic LGBTI studies would be ideal, that's still not a reality yet. Until then, Badgett uses her training and what is currently known to project how much the world is missing with its polarization. Looks like a lot.
As the calm and logical presenter, Badgett even responds to common misconceptions for you. Such as:
* Believe that all gays can flourish in creative careers? She'll deconstruct how damaging that seemingly well-meaning perception can be when LGBTI feel pressured "to comply" to that idea or fear for their lives to try careers that match their actual passions.
* Think that corporations adopting LGBTI friendly policies automatically translates to the workplace? She'll share how often a work environment rarely matches what is in a corporation's PR.
* Offended by the concept of putting a price tag on human rights? Badgett will tell you why it does matter throughout the entire book.
And not just in North America, Canada, or the UK. Badgett goes global with her research and arguments. Valuable inclusion that sometimes gets lost in the West.
The Economic Case for LGBT Equality is activism that engages the mind and the heart. Admittedly, the detailed economic analysis bits may fly over my head a bit. However, Badgett is kind enough to also summarize so that even someone who fumbles with numbers and statistics (me) can understand it. And I can't deny the rich trove of information that's in these pages.
While some of her observations may seem obvious to the readers, I think it's telling that Badgett explains and reminds us of them. That we don't forget. That we don't brush it away. That's quite the message. If we could modify it to include caring for elder LGBTI couples or homeless LGBTI in the world, then it'd be perfect.
Thank you, Badgett, for writing this book. May it be used, spread, and inspire. Hopefully within our lifetimes. Cheers.
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
Because The Economic Case for LGBT Equality addresses all of the costs that are exasperated by discrimination. Including the one not often mentioned by those who are (rightly) incensed: the socioeconomic contributions of independent LGBT workers. What politicians and corporations will look at in the long run.
If history is any indication, a traumatic story just isn't enough for making peaceful changes stick.
While more socioeconomic LGBTI studies would be ideal, that's still not a reality yet. Until then, Badgett uses her training and what is currently known to project how much the world is missing with its polarization. Looks like a lot.
As the calm and logical presenter, Badgett even responds to common misconceptions for you. Such as:
* Believe that all gays can flourish in creative careers? She'll deconstruct how damaging that seemingly well-meaning perception can be when LGBTI feel pressured "to comply" to that idea or fear for their lives to try careers that match their actual passions.
* Think that corporations adopting LGBTI friendly policies automatically translates to the workplace? She'll share how often a work environment rarely matches what is in a corporation's PR.
* Offended by the concept of putting a price tag on human rights? Badgett will tell you why it does matter throughout the entire book.
And not just in North America, Canada, or the UK. Badgett goes global with her research and arguments. Valuable inclusion that sometimes gets lost in the West.
The Economic Case for LGBT Equality is activism that engages the mind and the heart. Admittedly, the detailed economic analysis bits may fly over my head a bit. However, Badgett is kind enough to also summarize so that even someone who fumbles with numbers and statistics (me) can understand it. And I can't deny the rich trove of information that's in these pages.
While some of her observations may seem obvious to the readers, I think it's telling that Badgett explains and reminds us of them. That we don't forget. That we don't brush it away. That's quite the message. If we could modify it to include caring for elder LGBTI couples or homeless LGBTI in the world, then it'd be perfect.
Thank you, Badgett, for writing this book. May it be used, spread, and inspire. Hopefully within our lifetimes. Cheers.
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
July 16, 2022
I had many problems with this book. The fundamental argument here is that the world and businesses should be more LGBT+ inclusive because a lot money can be made off of my community. I have multiple problems because this argument fundamentally strips away humanity from my community which is one of the most important driving factors behind queer discrimination and hatred.
First the author sets up her argument by highlighting high mental health, discrimination, hospitalization, and suicide rates in the larger queer community. Obviously more acceptance and less discrimination would decrease these rates. However the author argues this should be addressed because it costs a lot of money from hospitals and the government. What about queer happiness? Queer people thriving? Queer people…getting to fundamentally exist and live a happy and healthy life?
Moreover in the introduction and conclusion, the author juxtaposes their argument against the argument I’m making in this review. That this economic approach is better than a human centered approach. Meaning that to approach this as an economic issue rather than a human rights issue is better and more appropriate. However this indicates a vast amount of privilege. Economics are intrinsically tied to political, social, and human rights issues. To be able to separate out economics from political issues, or in this case human rights issues, indicates a lot of privilege that many people, like queer people, don’t have. When you’re fighting for your own existence and fundamental rights, you have to analyze and be critical of economic, social, political, geographical, and even environmental issues because the decisions made could vastly improve life if you hold a marginalized identity. Or even vastly change it in the worst way possible.
I think the arguments made in this book hold some water. And they can be used to help people. But I think to fundamentally strip the humanity out of this issue is to stop away the most important aspect. These organizations don’t care. Politicians don’t care. They are going to keep making money and prioritizing money regardless or who it effects or how it effects them. The same big stores putting out pride merchandise are still backing any and every homophobic politician they can to make sure they make money. The priority has to be basic human rights for marginalized communities with an emphasis on humanity. The goal is to better the lives people that hold marginalized identities, like queer people. If the goal is to make money, awesome be my guest and go on ahead, I’m just saying that the people already pursing that goal couldn’t humanly careless about what rights and help others get along the way. I think a good take away from this is to use this economic approach in tandem with a human centered approach to queer rights and equality.
As a queer person, I deserve human rights and protections against discrimination. I deserve this because I am a human just like everyone else. Not because more profits can be made off of me and my community.
First the author sets up her argument by highlighting high mental health, discrimination, hospitalization, and suicide rates in the larger queer community. Obviously more acceptance and less discrimination would decrease these rates. However the author argues this should be addressed because it costs a lot of money from hospitals and the government. What about queer happiness? Queer people thriving? Queer people…getting to fundamentally exist and live a happy and healthy life?
Moreover in the introduction and conclusion, the author juxtaposes their argument against the argument I’m making in this review. That this economic approach is better than a human centered approach. Meaning that to approach this as an economic issue rather than a human rights issue is better and more appropriate. However this indicates a vast amount of privilege. Economics are intrinsically tied to political, social, and human rights issues. To be able to separate out economics from political issues, or in this case human rights issues, indicates a lot of privilege that many people, like queer people, don’t have. When you’re fighting for your own existence and fundamental rights, you have to analyze and be critical of economic, social, political, geographical, and even environmental issues because the decisions made could vastly improve life if you hold a marginalized identity. Or even vastly change it in the worst way possible.
I think the arguments made in this book hold some water. And they can be used to help people. But I think to fundamentally strip the humanity out of this issue is to stop away the most important aspect. These organizations don’t care. Politicians don’t care. They are going to keep making money and prioritizing money regardless or who it effects or how it effects them. The same big stores putting out pride merchandise are still backing any and every homophobic politician they can to make sure they make money. The priority has to be basic human rights for marginalized communities with an emphasis on humanity. The goal is to better the lives people that hold marginalized identities, like queer people. If the goal is to make money, awesome be my guest and go on ahead, I’m just saying that the people already pursing that goal couldn’t humanly careless about what rights and help others get along the way. I think a good take away from this is to use this economic approach in tandem with a human centered approach to queer rights and equality.
As a queer person, I deserve human rights and protections against discrimination. I deserve this because I am a human just like everyone else. Not because more profits can be made off of me and my community.
July 23, 2022
Badgett uses economic analysis to evaluate lost productivity due to inequitable societies around the world. In the first few chapters, this came off to me as if the author was just writing a piece on how capitalism could more effectively exploit more people. But as the book progressed, Badgett did a strong job of conveying how these types of economic analyses could be another tool in the toolbox for queer people and for those advocating for greater inclusion of queer people. That specific shift in perspective really made the book for me.
Zooming in, this work has a tremendous amount of research packed into it. It really reads more like a literature review with a short call to action at the end than a study on its own. I'm glad I read this book- I hoped to have better ammunition at hand when talking with people who aren't sympathetic to arguments based on fundamental human rights and human dignity, and this book gives it to the reader. It also was illuminating to read as Badgett really made explicit some of the barriers and penalties faced by queer people.
Worth the read, and I'm glad I pushed through a little bit of queasiness in the opening chapters.
The latter half of the book was much stronger than the first half of the book, to my eyes. It fo
Zooming in, this work has a tremendous amount of research packed into it. It really reads more like a literature review with a short call to action at the end than a study on its own. I'm glad I read this book- I hoped to have better ammunition at hand when talking with people who aren't sympathetic to arguments based on fundamental human rights and human dignity, and this book gives it to the reader. It also was illuminating to read as Badgett really made explicit some of the barriers and penalties faced by queer people.
Worth the read, and I'm glad I pushed through a little bit of queasiness in the opening chapters.
The latter half of the book was much stronger than the first half of the book, to my eyes. It fo
January 19, 2025
At <200 pages this is a compact, tightly organized exploration of the economics of LGBTQI equality. You might come for the tabulation of the costs of exclusion, discrimination, and bigotry - it’s here both in the reasons for the costs and the adding up of a total - but I stayed for the arguments for equality and particularly the author’s thoughts on the way forward. I mean to throw no shade in saying the last two chapters on strategies to make forward progress were, for me, the most important. The emphasis on the economic argument as another tool to support the cause and not a replacement for a human rights framework was well-handled and suggests some who already are converts to the cause or members of the LGBTQI community should reconsider their wariness about using these particular tools. My criticisms are about structure and pace, as I found myself struggling to press on through chapters 2, 3, and 4, but honestly I’m not sure what would be a better approach.
January 12, 2021
What rang true is that a was able to be very successful because of my lack of sexuality growing up in school but things changed when I became a known queer advocate. I adore you non tone deaf approach on gathering statistics as many countries such as my own lack statistics that can be used to extrapolate accurate conclusion but I like your assumptions. It's sad but a reality that what would push rights in many capitalist counties is the value we as queer people have vs a basic human right. I must say this was an amazing read and I'd definitely recommend. This is how great research is done and I hope other lgbt writers take note. I do love your turn from us being a victim but strong and resilient however pain and stigma we go through. I'd beg to say we're superheroes. Props to you to including trans people as they are often overlooked and invisible when speaking on these matters.
August 21, 2023
In this easy-to-read book, Badgett makes the economic case for sexual and gender minorities equality, that is, to show how exclusion of these groups is bad for the economy. She does so with a nice combination of literature reviews, individual testimonies, and results of socio-economic studies on this matter. While the difficult question of causation is not resolved in this research (does strong economies leads to more inclusion, or does more inclusion leads to stronger economies, or are there hidden variables at play?), it convincingly shows that both inclusion and economic growth are linked. She also carefully addresses the criticisms against the economic approach by insisting on the idea that it is not that human rights are for sale, but rather that the economic argument is a complement to the human rights argument.
October 28, 2020
The author synthesizes a ton of research on LGBT equality and the effects of discrimination into a readable and compact book on the topic that should be plentiful ammunition to strength the argument for full civil rights for LGBT people.
The book has an international perspective, so even non-US readers can get something out of it. It covers a lot of ground from law to health to education and more.
Also, the author does a good pointing out where transgender people are not included in the numbers.
Overall, a really enlightening read. No economics background required.
Pairs well with The Queering of Corporate America (Ball) and Covering (Yoshino).
The book has an international perspective, so even non-US readers can get something out of it. It covers a lot of ground from law to health to education and more.
Also, the author does a good pointing out where transgender people are not included in the numbers.
Overall, a really enlightening read. No economics background required.
Pairs well with The Queering of Corporate America (Ball) and Covering (Yoshino).
June 14, 2020
While the economic case can be problematic, at times, Lee succeeds in showing how it can be a powerful perspective to add to your toolkit to advance inclusion, equality and non discrimination. Very interesting, easy to read and immediately applicable.
December 7, 2021
It was really informative! I loved the facts. Definitely opened my eyes to a lot of things. However, it seemed very VERY repetitive. I would still recommend it to others though. It was a fairly easy read with a lot of info.
May 19, 2020
I had never thought of economic equality for the LGBT Community until I read this book. It has a lot of interesting information.
September 27, 2020
Though the book has many data, the author blendes it smoothly in her book by including testimonies and personal experiences. A must for every person involved in Diversity and Inclusion matters!
November 25, 2023
I guess there’s a reason I didn’t study economics. Extremely boring, and didn’t realize it was a comparative study, so it didn’t even provide much insight into these issues in the US.
November 29, 2025
pretty self aware of its own limitations and a really well researched case for economic benefits of inclusion
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews