Due to persistent stigmatization and discrimination, LGBTI people are likely overrepresented among the poor. When people are left behind – including due to sexual orientation or gender identity – everyone misses out on their skills and productivity

As part of its commitment to social inclusion and shared prosperity, the World Bank is scaling up efforts to make sure LGBTI people can be fully integrated into development. Because of its consequences on the lives and poverty levels of an entire group, but also due to its adverse impacts on economies and societies at large, LGBTI exclusion is very much a development issue.

“Eliminating extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity requires coordinated action by all segments of society to eradicate the root causes of exclusion. The exclusion that affects indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTI people, and other marginalized groups,” said Ede Ijjasz-Vasquez, Senior Director for the World Bank’s Social, Urban, Rural, and Resilience Global Practice. “We will not be able to achieve our mission of fighting poverty and boosting shared prosperity unless everyone can participate in the development process and reap the benefits of economic growth.” Read more via World Bank