Discrimination leads to P73 billion loss annually, according to a study, as policymakers are urged to revisit policies on diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community in the Philippines.

Findings from the coalition Open for Business estimate that LGBTQ+ exclusion results in up to P73 billion in lost Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) annually due to wage discrimination, unequal health access, and brain drain.

““The inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons is not just a social issue — it is a business and economic matter,” Jap Ignacio, Executive Director of Babaylanes, Inc., said.

“Companies that embrace diversity perform better, but without explicit policies for diversity, equity, and inclusion to support this in the private sector, progress is always going to be uneven,” Ignacio added.

A separate University of the Philippines study found that even with slightly higher education levels than their counterparts, members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face higher rates of underemployment and vulnerable employment, particularly in informal and precarious workplaces.

“Many of the LGBTQI Filipinos, who shared their lived experiences in different studies, reported that discriminatory practices such as unfair treatment, verbal harassment, and deliberate obstruction of career growth are usual culprits in leading them to vulnerable employment and unemployment which in effect legitimizes and perpetuates economic exclusion,” Rocky Rinabor, Project Manager of TLF SHARE Collective, added.

“As it is, economic policies rarely account for the unique barriers faced by LGBTQ+ Filipinos," Rinabor continued.

Loss of LGBTQ+ talent due to 'brain drain'

Babaylanes, Inc. likewise found that discrimination and stigma against LGBTQ+ workers have served as a significant barrier to the country’s attainment of economic inclusion.

The organization attributed this to the lack of government-led initiatives allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to access opportunities and resources for economic participation.

“Our most talented workers are leaving the country for more opportunities, yes, but also for spaces where they can feel safe, accepted, and empowered to be their truest selves,” Ignacio explained.

Similarly, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) acknowledged the importance of including LGBTQ+ measures in the development agenda of countries like the Philippines.

The ADB asserted that genuine inclusion promotes economic development, as this allows LGBTQ+ members of the workforce to utilize their creative perspectives, ideas, and skills without barriers.

According to LGBTQ+ advocates, the proposed SOGIE Equality Bill could help address these challenges.

They argued that the bill’s provisions — particularly those related to anti-discrimination — may help reduce brain drain by fostering a more inclusive economic environment.

“Policymakers need to understand that passing the SOGIE Equality Bill is a crucial step towards making our economy more inclusive and, consequently, stronger,” Ignacio continued.

“If we want to future-proof the Philippine economy, we must invest in our people — all our people,” he added. “Inclusion is not a handout. It’s a smart economic strategy."