Author(s): M. V. Lee Badgett

LGBTI & Queer Studies

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, intolerance in the workplace, bullying in schools, hate crimes and violence, and the health effects of stigma make it difficult to live a good life. Examining the consequences of anti-LGBT practices across multiple countries, 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.

June 2021