The Economic Case for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Southeast Asia

Research Series By Open for Business

About the Report
This comprehensive Southeast Asia (SEA) report, conducted by Open For Business, examines the compelling correlation between LGBTQ+ inclusion and economic and business performance. Focusing on six countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—the report highlights how inclusive policies and practices can unlock untapped economic potential and mitigate the social and financial costs of discrimination.

Through data analysis, case studies, and research, the report demonstrates that greater LGBTQ+ inclusion could strengthen national economies and enhance the performance of businesses operating in these regions.

Who Should Read This Report?

  • Companies operating in SEA: Gain insights on how LGBTQ+ inclusion can drive competitiveness and provide strategies to support LGBTQ+ employees.
  • Policymakers: Learn how inclusion can boost economic growth and enhance national competitiveness while minimizing discrimination-related challenges.
  • LGBTQ+ and human rights organizations: Leverage economics-based arguments and case studies to bolster public and business engagement strategies.

Methodology
This report draws from a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including:

  • Literature review of key economic and LGBTQ+ issues in the region
  • Economic data analysis and correlation with LGBTQ+ rights data
  • Stakeholder surveys from business, LGBTQ+ organizations, multilateral agencies, and governments
  • Interviews with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and multilateral agencies driving LGBTQ+ inclusion

Call for Evidence
Given the limited data on LGBTQ+ inclusion in Southeast Asia, Open For Business encourages continued research and partnerships to further explore the economic impact of inclusive practices in the region.

Authors
The report is authored by George Perlov, with contributions from Emma Appleby, Ceren Altincekic, Pawel Adrjan, Vivienne Ming, and others, drawing on their expertise in data science, economic research, and business inclusion.

To explore the full findings of the report:

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Shambawi Paudel

(she/they)
Research Associate
Shambhawi Paudel is a feminist advocate with a research interest in critiquing intersectional application of human rights standards. She completed her LLM in Human Rights Law specializing in International Justice.She is involved in policy research and has written and published on a range of issues, including gender, queer rights, education policy, and digital rights and privacy concerns. She believes it is important to have long conversations about navigating oppressive social power relations rooted in care and community. She enjoys reading and crocheting in her free time.

Omair Paul

(he/him)
Research and global advocacy program manager

Omair Paul is the Program Manager at ILGA Asia. He joins the team with almost a decade of UN advocacy experience, previously serving as the UN Representative for Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) since 2014. He led the organisation’s UN advocacy strategy and campaigns, represented MPV in various high-level UN meetings & processes, and forged working relationships with diplomats, UN agencies, and civil society organisations (CSOs) and networks.

He focuses on countering fundamentalist religious ideologies and protecting the rights to free expression, freedom of religion and belief, and the economic and social rights of women, girls, and ethnic, religious, and SOGIESC minorities in Muslim societies.

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