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Globally, LGBTQI+ people continue to experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination due to prevalent social stigma and prejudice, as well as discriminatory laws and policies. 

61 countries across the globe still criminalize homosexuality and a vast number of countries do not grant legal gender recognition to transgender and gender diverse people. Criminalization and lack of legal recognition of LGBTQI+ people create systemic barriers for them to access services and legal protections, and pushes them to the margins of society by perpetuating stigma and prejudice against them. In countries where LGBTQI+ people are not criminalized, adequate legal protections against SOGIESC-based discriminations and abuse remain severely lacking. According to a , many countries in Asia and the Pacific region lack legal protections for LGBTQI+ people in education and employment sectors and against SOCIESC-based hate crimes and violence. The recently launched global report by the World Bank, , finds that sub-saharan Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa regions offer limited to no legal protections to LGBTQI+ people across a range of social and economic domains, restricting their access to education, employment, political participation, and services and social protection. 

Exclusion of LGBTQI+ people is hurting us all

Criminalization of LGBTQI+ people is . Experiences of exclusion are ,  and decent jobs, affecting their , and making it challenging for them to . , which is exacerbated by their restricted access to healthcare services.

There is mounting evidence that demonstrates the significant aggregated effect of these experiences of SOGIESC-based exclusion and discrimination on overall economic and development outcomes of a country. A  concludes that the loss of labor productivity and output because of discrimination experienced by LGBTIQ+ people in employment and the loss of life years due to early death or disability could generate costs of up to US$ 31 billion in India alone.  estimated that the costs of SOGIESC-based exclusion in Serbia is amounting to 0.5% of the country’s GDP.  focusing on six Southeast Asian countries estimates that wage disparity and barriers to healthcare is fiscally costing these countries up to 1.47% of their GDP.

So, how can we promote inclusion of LGBTQI+ people? Good practices considerations for inclusive laws and policies.

assessed five key dimensions of LGBTQI+ inclusion—political and civic participation, education, health, personal safety and violence, and economic well-being. Below are key takeaways from the report that can guide efforts to foster LGBTQI+ inclusion globally.

1. Disaggregated, robust, high-quality data: To accurately understand and address LGBTQI+ challenges, countries need disaggregated data that reflects the specific experiences of LGBTQI+ people across education, employment, health, and personal safety. Gathering comprehensive data works best in collaboration with national statistics offices and dedicated surveys that break down results by sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. As noted by the report, countries without such targeted data often lacked clear insights into the unique barriers LGBTQI+ people face, impeding targeted policy development.
2. Comprehensive anti-discrimination legal and policy provisions: Legal protections that prohibit SOGIESC-based discrimination in workplaces, educational institutions, and healthcare settings are essential to LGBTQI+ inclusion. While some countries have made strides, many still lack these protections, especially in economic sectors. This absence limits LGBTQI+ individuals’ ability to apply their talents and develop secure careers without fear of discrimination. Enforcing robust anti-discrimination policies not only creates safer, more inclusive workplaces but also helps prevent brain drain by ensuring that LGBTQI+ professionals can build their livelihoods with confidence and stability.
3. Legal protections against SOGIESC-based violence and hate crimes: LGBTQI+ people are often subjected to targeted violence and discrimination. The report emphasizes the need for hate crime legislation that includes SOGIESC as an aggravating factor. Such laws deliver justice for victims and demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and safety that can deter future crimes. The report found that the 'personal safety and violence' dimension in the LGBTI Inclusion Index had the lowest inclusion scores across pilot countries, underscoring an urgent need for comprehensive legal protections.
4. Public awareness campaign and education programs to address social stigma: Addressing societal prejudices against LGBTQI+ people requires broad-based public education. UNDP's LGBTI Inclusion Index recommends campaigns that promote acceptance and visibility, supported by inclusive educational curricula that cover SOGIESC topics. Countries in the pilot that had higher inclusion scores often had some form of diversity-inclusive curricula, showing the power of early education in fostering a more inclusive society.
5. Targeted programs to foster LGBTQI+ people’s inclusion in education and employment sectors: Programs that directly support LGBTQI+ students and workers can counteract barriers and create lasting change. For instance, anti-bullying policies in schools and inclusive hiring practices in workplaces can prevent dropout rates and unemployment, which disproportionately impact LGBTQI+ people. The pilot highlighted the positive impact of targeted inclusion policies, especially in education and health sectors.

Ultimately, embracing LGBTQI+ inclusion benefits everyone; when LGBTQI+ individuals are safeguarded against discrimination and empowered to contribute openly in education, employment, and public life, communities experience greater innovation, economic growth, and social harmony. That inclusion ripples outward, strengthening communities and economies alike, creating a society where everyone’s potential is unlocked. In a world that’s too often fractured, true inclusion is one of the few investments that pays off for everyone.