The Economic Case for LGBT Equality: Why Fair and Equal Treatment Benefits Us All

(Hardback)

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A fresh take on how the exclusion of LGBT people from full and equal participation in basic economic, education, health, social, and political settings is costly to us all. We know that homophobia adversely affects individuals in various ways, but economist M.V. Lee Badgett argues that in addition to moral and human rights reasons, we can now also make a financial argument for equality. Badgett proves that by moving towards LGBT equality we'll see organizations increase their bottom line and flourish countries's economies. Finding that homophobia and transphobia cost 1% or more of a country's GDP, Badgett expertly uses recent research and statics to analyze how these hostile practices and environments affect both the US and global economies. LGBT rights 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 loss of health care all make it incredibly difficult to live a good life. Examining the consequences of anti-LGBT practices across multiple countries, including Canada, the UK, Australia, India and the Philippines, Badgett reveals the expensive repercussions to hate and discrimination, and how our economy loses when we miss out on the full benefit of inclusion.

Reviews

Badgett uses data to show how equality is good for businesses, communities, and economies.
Business Insider

This cogent account makes a persuasive case that everyone benefits from LGBTQ equality.
Publishers Weekly

The authors 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.
Kirkus Reviews

The denial of LGBT equality is morally wrong. Lee Badgetts superbly researched book also shows the immense economic losses that result from this inhumanity. Eye-opening in its global scope, this book is a must-read for all business leaders and policymakers.
Janet Yellen, Distinguished Fellow, Brookings Institution

Lee Badgett is the premier economist working on LGBT issues todayand 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.
Kenji Yoshino, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law, New York University School of Law

One of the worlds leading authorities on the economics of the LGBT experience, Badgett articulates the importance of granting LGBT community members full and equal participation in basic economic, education, health, social, and political settings.
Tony Tenicela, Global Leader, Marketplace Diversity and Workforce Engagement Services, IBM

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.
Jessica Stern, executive director, OutRight Action International

This articulate and convincing book for why fairness truly benefits us all should be read by all organizations, activists, and governments.
Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, queer radical feminist and founder of Freedom & Roam Uganda

Author Bio

M. V. Lee Badgett is a professor of economics and the former director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with over 25 years of experience studying the economics of being LGBT. Badgett is the co-founder and was the first research director at the Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law & Public Policy at UCLA School of Law. Her other books include Money, Myths, and Change- The Economics Lives of Lesbians and Gay Men and Sexual Orientation Discrimination- An International Perspective.