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Sign up todayThe Economic Case for LGBT Equality
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Learn moreAn 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.
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. She is also a Williams Distinguished Scholar at the Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law & Public Policy (UCLA School of Law), where she was a co-founder and the first research director. She has also taught at Yale University and the University of Maryland. Connect with Lee Badgett at leebadgett.com.
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 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.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“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, 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 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.”
—Kenji Yoshino, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law, New York University School of Law
“One of the world’s 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 Expand reviews
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