Gay and bisexual men paid less than heterosexual men

Researchers say that despite anti-discrimination laws in many countries, gay and bisexual men continue to earn less than their heterosexual counterparts.

Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) analysed 24 studies of countries in Europe, North America and Australia published between 2012 and 2020.

They found that gay men earned on average of 6.8% less than heterosexual men across all the countries covered in the study. Bisexual men, in particular, earned 10.3% less than heterosexual men on average.

In the UK, gay and bisexual men together earned 4.7% less than heterosexual men, and in the USA they earned 10.9% less.

And while bisexual women earned 5.1% less than heterosexual women, lesbian women earned 7.1% more than heterosexual women.

The study was recently published in the Journal of Population Economics.

“The persistence of earnings penalties for gay men and bisexual men and women in the face of anti-discrimination policies represents a cause for concern,” said Professor Nick Drydakis, author of the study and Director of the Centre for Pluralist Economics at ARU.

“Legislation and workplace guidelines should guarantee that people receive the same pay and not experience any form of workplace bias simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity status.”

Drydakis continued: “Inclusive policies should embrace diversity by encouraging under-represented groups to apply for jobs or promotions and providing support to LGBTIQ+ employees to raise concerns and receive fair treatment.

“Standing against discrimination and celebrating and supporting LGBTIQ+ diversity should form a part of HR policies,” he added.