LGBTQI+ rights, economic development, and norms of acceptance

Expanding LGBT inclusion improves economies

LGBTQI+ people all over the world face discrimination and denial of their human rights, resulting in their exclusion from the economic system. While most research in this area has looked at the effects on LGBTQI+ people, a recent study looked at how increasing recognition and rights for LGBTQI+ people affect economic growth. The researchers collected data from 132 countries between 1966 and 2011 and looked at economic development as well as legal recognition of LGBT people. They found that an increase in rights for LGBT people was associated with higher per capita GDP, though this effect was strongest in western and westernized countries, which have seen more advancement of LGBT rights. This research indicates that increased recognition and human rights for LGBTQ+ can contribute to economic development.

Advancing LGBTQI+ acceptance through international NGO advocacy vs. foreign aid

In recent years, countries have been trending in one of two directions, either becoming more accepting or  reducing rights or increasing criminalization. But why might that be? A recent study of 110 non-OECD countries compared two ways in which international norms of LGBT acceptance might encourage a country to enshrine acceptance of LGBTQI+ people in the law: through shared membership in international LGBT NGOs or through foreign aid from countries who encourage increased LGBT acceptance. The findings of the study suggest that exposure to global norms of acceptance through transnational advocacy networks was associated with a more positive legal environment for LGBT people, while greater dependence on foreign aid was associated with a more negative legal environment for LGBT people. 

Do you have a study we should share for a future Facty Friday? Send an email to drg.el@usaid.gov!