The Relationship between LGBT Inclusion and Economic Development
When LGBT people are denied full participation in society because of their identities, their human rights are violated, and those violations of human rights are likely to have a harmful effect on a country’s level of economic development. This study analyzes the impact of the treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people on economic development in 39 emerging economies and other selected countries, and presents findings that demonstrate a link between LGBT rights and economic output. The findings suggest that LGBT equality should be part of economic development programs and policies.
The study finds:
• A positive correlation between per capita GDP and legal rights for LGB and transgender people across countries. Using a regression model to account for other factors that influence development, the relationship remains strong. One additional right in the GILRHO is associated with approximately $320 in GDP per capita, or about 3 percent of the average GDP per capita in the sample countries. An increase in GILRHO is also associated with a higher human development index (HDI) value.
• A steady increase in the level of rights of lesbians and gay men in emerging economies. On average, the countries in the study recognized one right relating to sexual orientation in 1990. By 2011, that number increased to over three rights according to the GILRHO.
Reading Development 