LGBTQ communities face a unique set of challenges related to their social and economic marginalization due to the intersection of multiple axes of inequality. This means that LGBTQ people are often excluded from mainstream society because of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, class, age, disability status, and other characteristics. As a result, they experience discrimination, prejudice, and oppression in different ways, which makes it difficult for them to access resources and opportunities necessary for achieving economic stability. The intersectional approach to understanding poverty recognizes these interconnected forms of oppression and considers how they reinforce each other, leading to greater economic marginalization for those who are multiply marginalized. In this article, I will explore how intersecting axes of inequality amplify economic marginalization for LGBTQ communities.
Gender Identity
Gender identity is one of the primary factors contributing to the economic marginalization of LGBTQ individuals. Transgender and nonbinary people, in particular, face significant barriers when seeking employment or attempting to establish themselves financially. Many transgender people face discrimination in the workplace, which can lead to job loss, reduced earnings, and difficulty finding new employment. They may also experience higher levels of unemployment than cisgender people (those whose gender identity matches the sex assigned at birth).
Transgender people may struggle to obtain adequate healthcare coverage for gender-affirming treatments, such as hormone therapy or surgery, further limiting their financial security.
Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation is another critical factor that impacts LGBTQ communities' economic marginalization. Same-sex couples may face challenges related to marriage equality, adoption rights, and family leave policies.
Same-sex partners may not be eligible for certain tax benefits or parental leave that heterosexual couples enjoy. These disparities can significantly affect household income and overall wealth. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people may also experience discrimination in the housing market, making it difficult to find affordable homes or secure mortgages.
Race and Ethnicity
Race and ethnicity are crucial factors that intersect with sexual orientation and gender identity to amplify economic marginalization among LGBTQ people. People of color in the LGBTQ community are more likely to live in poverty than white LGBTQ individuals due to systemic racism and discrimination. Black and Latinx transgender women, in particular, have some of the highest rates of poverty among all groups. Moreover, immigrants from countries where homosexuality is illegal or highly stigmatized may face additional barriers when seeking employment and accessing social services in the US.
Age
Age can also play a role in the economic marginalization of LGBTQ individuals. Older LGBTQ people may experience discrimination based on their age as well as their sexual orientation or gender identity. They may struggle to access necessary healthcare, housing, and other resources that support financial stability. Younger generations of LGBTQ people may face unique challenges, such as higher rates of unemployment and lower wages compared to non-LGBTQ peers.
Disability Status
Disability status is another factor that contributes to the economic marginalization of LGBTQ communities. Disabled LGBTQ individuals may face significant barriers when trying to obtain jobs or maintain stable careers.
They may experience greater difficulty navigating the healthcare system, leading to increased medical expenses.
Intersecting axes of inequality significantly impact LGBTQ communities' economic marginalization. By recognizing these interconnected forms of oppression, we can begin to address them and work towards greater equity for all. Policies that promote equality and inclusion, like those protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, and age, are essential steps toward creating a more just society. By supporting LGBTQ people across multiple dimensions, we can improve not only their lives but our entire economy and society as a whole.
How do intersecting axes of inequality amplify economic marginalization for LGBTQ communities?
Due to their intersecting identities, LGBTQ individuals may face discrimination based on multiple axes such as race, class, gender, age, disability, religion, etc. , which can lead to economic marginalization.