LGBT discrimination costly for Barbados

Discriminatory laws and stigmas against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people is costing Barbados and other Caribbean countries billions of dollars, a new study has revealed.

The research conducted by human rights organisation Open for Business, estimates that brain drain, losses in potential tourism revenue, and the impact of discrimination on the healthcare system, is costing the region between US$4.2 billion and up to five per cent of collective GDP each year.

The results of the two-year study were released ahead of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), which was commemorated on Tuesday.

Open for Business said it was the largest ever research exercise into the experiences of LGBT+ people in the Caribbean, drawing on qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as data from the World Health Organisation, the International Labour Organisation and the World Tourism Organisation.

The project involved interviews with 21 business leaders at companies including ANSA McCal, Massy Group, PWC, Sandals and Scotiabank as well as over 3600 heterosexual and LGBT+ people from across the region and from some of the region’s main tourism source markets.

“At times, the picture that emerged was stark: systemic legal and institutional barriers combine with attitudinal factors to create significant challenges for LGBT+ people in the family, in schools, in attaining better health outcomes, in the labour market, and in regards to violence, and seeking justice,” the research, obtained by Barbados TODAY, concluded.

“For many, this has created strong push factors that drive their migration while also diminishing their likelihood of returning to the Caribbean. Altogether, this has translated into a national and regional reputation that diminishes the likelihood of international tourists choosing to visit – both LGBT+ as well as heterosexual and cisgender people alike.

“Due to these and other reasons, we estimate that LGBT+ exclusion costs the region between US$1.5 billion and US$4.2 billion per year – from 2.1 per cent and up to 5.7 per cent of its collective GDP.

“The impact on the economy and business is clear, showing that the need to combat homophobia and transphobia are economic and business imperatives, in addition to being a moral mandate,” the document added.

The research, which examined 12 Caribbean countries including Barbados, revealed that 18 per cent of travellers would overlook the region, predominantly because of “state-sponsored” homophobia and transphobia.

Open for business further contended that LGBT+ Caribbean people who migrate to more “open societies”, are more likely to be economically productive than those who stay in the region.

“For this diaspora, migration is driven by discriminatory laws and negative attitudes, which also act as disincentives to return. This depletes the productivity and competitiveness of the Caribbean, showing an LGBT+ brain drain,” said Open for Business.

The study also contends that LGBT+ discrimination in the region is linked to negative outcomes in mental and physical health as members of the community are more likely to be exposed to violence, certain sexually transmitted infections, and mental health conditions in comparison with their counterparts in other parts of the world.

In a statement, Open for Business’ Caribbean Campaign Lead, Donnya Piggot declared that it was “morally unjust” for LGBT+ people to be made invisible by regional governments, warning that the injustices would continue to have a negative impact on the region’s economic growth.

“Open for Business has conducted two years of research and has found that the Caribbean stands to gain an additional US$3.9 billion from retaining our talent, increased LGBT+ tourism, increased foreign direct investment, increased productivity and reducing our spend on social services.

“So, should we work to reform harmful laws, protect people from discrimination and make a concerted effort to bring everyone equally to the table? We would only reap the benefits of stronger and more cohesive communities and more prosperous societies,” the activist declared.

Meanwhile, Open for Business expressed confidence that the research would lead to more progressive societal changes and build a business and economic voice that promotes a “truly fair and inclusive environment for all”. (KS)