Open For Business Reports
Open For Business reports represent the most collective and cogent evidence base for the economic and business case for LGBT+ inclusion to date. The reports synthesize hundreds of academic studies, business reports, data set, and expert perspectives into a clear and convincing case that shows LGBT+ inclusion is good for business and good for economic growth.
Investor Guide to LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Enhancing business performance through LGBTQ+ Inclusive ESG Strategies
This report looks at why LGBTQ+ inclusion matters to investors, and how it can be integrated within Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies.
It explores the correlation between LGBTQ+ inclusion and business performance – such as higher profit margins, enhanced corporate reputation and brand preference, and improved diversity outcomes. Ultimately, the report strives to encourage more companies to adopt LGBTQ+ inclusive ESG strategies and provide insights for investors to evaluate companies on LGBTQ+ inclusion effectively.
Click here to download this report
2023 Report: The Economic Case for LGBT+ Inclusion in Slovakia
This report features data analyses and case studies that show that bias and discrimination towards LGBTQ+ people in Slovakia are keeping the country from reaching its goals for economic growth.
The situation for LGBTQ+ people in Slovakia, one of the least accepting countries in the European Union, only worsened after the terrorist attack on patrons outside of the Tepláreň Bar on 12 October, 2022. Within weeks of the attack, over 30,000 citizens signed a petition calling for equal rights, and a coalition of more than 40 companies operating in Slovakia was formed, demanding more supportive policies for LGBTQ+ people across the nation. Despite these demands, Slovakia remains a less welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people than most of its European neighbours.
The report finds that although the government has a goal to reach 92% of the EU27 average in GDP per capita by 2030, LGBTQ+ discrimination in Slovakia and the country’s reputation are holding back economic growth and are associated with a loss of talent due to brain drain. Collected data and subsequent analyses demonstrate that increasing LGBTQ+ rights and protections by just 10%, such as allowing for same-sex partnerships in Slovakia, could raise per-capita GDP by approximately €3,000.
The report identifies strong positive correlations between LGBTQ+ rights and other economic indices that measure competitiveness, innovation and entrepreneurism, which are key growth factors. It also shows that Bratislava trails its Visegrad Group capital cities on numerous economic metrics.
Click here to download in English
Click here to download in Slovak
2023 LGBTQ+ Inclusion Business Primer: Poland
Poland will be holding parliamentary elections in fall 2023. This primer for Polish business leaders and other interested stakeholders shows how the economic case for LGBTQ+ inclusion leads to better outcomes for the Polish economy, companies operating in Poland, the Polish LGBTQ+ community, and the population at large. It is an update to our landmark 2021 report, The Economic Case for LGBT+ Inclusion in Central and Eastern Europe that estimated that Poland loses up to PLN 9.5 billion annually due to LGBTQ+ discrimination. The primer contains new and updated data, information, and case studies of companies doing extraordinary things in the fight for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in Poland.
Click here to download in English
Click here to download in Polish
June 2023
For more information contact:
Lukasz Antkiewicz / Poland Campaign Lead/ lantkiewicz@open-for-business.org
COMMON GROUND: REPORT FOR POPE FRANCIS
In 2019, our founder and chair Jon Miller produced a report for His Holiness Pope Francis on the human and economic cost of criminalisation. The report, Common Ground, has not been made public until today. Produced with sponsorship from Deutsche Bank, it outlines how criminalisation runs counter to the teachings of the Church in areas such as education, health, livelihood and basic human dignity.
Common Ground was written as part of a dialogue which began when Open For Business joined a Private Audience at the Vatican in 2019 – the first ever formal meeting with LGBTQ+ groups in the history of the Church. We led a high-level business delegation, alongside the International Bar Association. The purpose of this dialogue was to get the Pope to make a clear statement against the criminalisation of homosexuality.
In 2023, Pope Francis has made a clear statement that homosexuality is not a crime. He still maintains homosexuality is a sin – but even so, this is a big moment: he’s called on the Catholic Church to work towards ending these “unjust laws”. This is important because we know that in many countries the Church is doing precisely the opposite. If the Church were to become an advocate for decriminalisation, the lives of millions would change for the better.
Report here
2022 Election Business Primer - Kenya
Kenya will be electing a new president on 9 August 2022. The new government will be tasked with reviving the country’s economy from the recent surge in the cost of living. Evidence shows that LGBTQ+ discrimination is costing Kenya 1.7% of its GDP annually.
In this primer we provide a brief overview of how the government’s policies on LGBTQ+ issues are affecting Kenya’s economy, harming Kenya’s national reputation in foreign markets and negatively impacting national health outcomes.
July 2022
For more information contact:
Yvonne Muthoni / Kenya Country Director / yvonne.muthoni@open-for-business.org
George Perlov / Global Programs / george.perlov@open-for-business.org
Open For Business City Ratings 2022
In 2018, we established the evidence base for the connection between LGBTQ+ inclusion and economic competitiveness in cities around the world. We also launched the Open For Business City Ratings - the first ever global rating to measure how inclusive and competitive a city is. In 2020 we released our second version of the Ratings.
The Open For Business City Ratings 2022 build on our prior learnings and add much more. In the report, you’ll find new data strengthening the economic case, ratings for over 140 cities around the world, and regional analyss. Despite an overall downward trend in the City Ratings this year, many cities are leading the way on LGBT+ inclusion, and this is positively impacting their economic competitiveness
June 2022
For more information contact: info@open-for-business.org
2022 Election Business Primer - Hungary
With a pivotal election taking place in April 2022, mounting evidence shows that LGBT+ discrimination is having a direct negative impact on the Hungarian economy. In this primer we explore, how the government policies of discrimination last year already achieved an equivalent of a $600 million negative image campaign in foreign markets; how the competitiveness of Hungarian companies and foreign investment are impacted; and how sectors such as tourism are denied growth opportunities.
March 2022
For more information contact:
Ambró Stoics / Hungary Campaign Lead / astoics@open-for-business.org
George Perlov / Interim Executive Director / george.perlov@open-for-business.org
The Economic Case for LGBT+ Inclusion in Uzbekistan
This report focuses on the economic and business case for LGBT+ inclusion in Uzbekistan, a country that has been making significant economic and other policy changes to attract greater foreign investment but continues to support high levels of LGBT+ discrimination and abuse.
The report includes data that shows the correlation between LGBT+ inclusion and key economic indicators, demonstrates that potential for greater foreign investment in Uzbekistan is hindered by the country’s treatment of LGBT+ people and human rights record overall, and estimates the cost of health disparities that affect LGBT+ people. It also explores the economic benefits that other post-Soviet countries which have decriminalized same-sex intimacy have experienced
November 2021
The Economic Case for LGBT+ Inclusion in the Caribbean
This report, funded by Virgin Atlantic, focuses on the economic and business case for LGBT+ inclusion in the 12 English speaking CARICOM countries: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The report includes data from the largest ever survey on LGBT+ issues in the Caribbean and estimates the cost of exclusion of LGBT+ people, as well as its economic impact on tourism in the region. It explores the economic benefits that countries that have decriminalized same-sex intimacy have experienced and sheds light on the LGBT+ Caribbean diaspora. Other key issues explored include the labour market and LGBT+ brain drain, as well as the systematized occupation segregation of LGBT+ people in the region.
June 2021
THE ECONOMIC CASE FOR LGBT+ INCLUSION IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE (CEE): HUNGARY, POLAND, ROMANIA, AND UKRAINE
UKRAINIAN
This report, funded by Google and a private foundation, focuses on the economic and business case for LGBT+ inclusion in these four large economies in Central and Eastern Europe. The report uses a variety of economic research, data analyses, aspirational case studies and a proprietary survey of businesses as evidence for greater LGBT+ inclusion in the region. It includes summaries of the key issues facing the LGBT+ communities in each of the focus countries as well as the economic goals the countries are striving to achieve. It concludes that in order for these countries to reach their intended levels of economic growth they need to become more LGBT+ inclusive, and at the same time, end harmful discriminatory practices, which are shown to be bad economic policy.
May 2021
THE ECONOMIC CASE FOR LGBT+ INCLUSION IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE (CEE): HUNGARY, POLAND, ROMANIA, AND UKRAINE
Romanian
This report, funded by Google and a private foundation, focuses on the economic and business case for LGBT+ inclusion in these four large economies in Central and Eastern Europe. The report uses a variety of economic research, data analyses, aspirational case studies and a proprietary survey of businesses as evidence for greater LGBT+ inclusion in the region. It includes summaries of the key issues facing the LGBT+ communities in each of the focus countries as well as the economic goals the countries are striving to achieve. It concludes that in order for these countries to reach their intended levels of economic growth they need to become more LGBT+ inclusive, and at the same time, end harmful discriminatory practices, which are shown to be bad economic policy.
May 2021
THE ECONOMIC CASE FOR LGBT+ INCLUSION IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE (CEE): HUNGARY, POLAND, ROMANIA, AND UKRAINE
POLISH
This report, funded by Google and a private foundation, focuses on the economic and business case for LGBT+ inclusion in these four large economies in Central and Eastern Europe. The report uses a variety of economic research, data analyses, aspirational case studies and a proprietary survey of businesses as evidence for greater LGBT+ inclusion in the region. It includes summaries of the key issues facing the LGBT+ communities in each of the focus countries as well as the economic goals the countries are striving to achieve. It concludes that in order for these countries to reach their intended levels of economic growth they need to become more LGBT+ inclusive, and at the same time, end harmful discriminatory practices, which are shown to be bad economic policy.
April 2021
THE ECONOMIC CASE FOR LGBT+ INCLUSION IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE (CEE): HUNGARY, POLAND, ROMANIA, AND UKRAINE
HUNGARIAN
This report, funded by Google and a private foundation, focuses on the economic and business case for LGBT+ inclusion in these four large economies in Central and Eastern Europe. The report uses a variety of economic research, data analyses, aspirational case studies and a proprietary survey of businesses as evidence for greater LGBT+ inclusion in the region. It includes summaries of the key issues facing the LGBT+ communities in each of the focus countries as well as the economic goals the countries are striving to achieve. It concludes that in order for these countries to reach their intended levels of economic growth they need to become more LGBT+ inclusive, and at the same time, end harmful discriminatory practices, which are shown to be bad economic policy.
April 2021
THE ECONOMIC CASE FOR LGBT+ INCLUSION IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE (CEE): HUNGARY, POLAND, ROMANIA, AND UKRAINE
ENGLISH
This report, funded by Google and a private foundation, focuses on the economic and business case for LGBT+ inclusion in these four large economies in Central and Eastern Europe. The report uses a variety of economic research, data analyses, aspirational case studies and a proprietary survey of businesses as evidence for greater LGBT+ inclusion in the region. It includes summaries of the key issues facing the LGBT+ communities in each of the focus countries as well as the economic goals the countries are striving to achieve. It concludes that in order for these countries to reach their intended levels of economic growth they need to become more LGBT+ inclusive, and at the same time, end harmful discriminatory practices, which are shown to be bad economic policy.
April 2021
(SIMPLIFIED CHINESE)
New Global Champions: Why fast-growing companies from emerging markets are embracing LGBT+ inclusion
Translated by the Beijing LGBT Center, this is the Simplified Chinese version of our New Global Champions report. Taking action on LGBT+ inclusion in the public sphere is difficult. These actions need to be responsible for the company’s brand, clients and employees and they need to be grounded in local realities of LGBT+ people on the ground. This report provides this guidance for action. The report’s framework identifies five Channels of Influence that companies can use to advance LGBT+ rights in every country they operate in.
March 2021
WORKING GLOBALLY: WHY LGBT+ Inclusion is Key to Competitiveness
This report looks at why LGBT+ inclusion is an important component of companies’ ability to operate globally today and in the future. The report is a collaboration between Open For Business, Deloitte and Herbert Smith Freehills. It uses data collected by Deloitte, in partnership with Herbert Smith Freehills, to greater understand the experiences of LGBT+ people when working globally, and concludes that LGBT+ inclusion can positively impact the competitiveness of global companies, and the countries in which they are based.
December 2020
THE ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN JAPAN
This report sets out the economic case for marriage equality in Japan, drawing on recent data and research and supporting the freedom for same-sex couples to marry. It was developed in support of the Business for Marriage Equality initiative to help build corporate support and engagement in Japan.
Many companies agree that a more LGBT+ inclusive Japan will be better for business and better for Japan’s overall economic growth.
November 2020
LGBT+ INCLUSION AND THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
With just 10 years remaining to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the clock is ticking. This report, supported by Unilever, is a business primer, designed to act as a guide to linkages between the SDGs and LGBT+ inclusion. It builds a bridge to support companies having committed to both and it highlights ways in which the SDGs matter for LGBT+ populations worldwide.
September 2020
THE ECONOMIC CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Open For Business partnered with Jsme Fér to produce an Economic Brief on the economic and business case for LGBT+ inclusion in the Czech Republic, with a specific focus on the freedom to marry. The freedom to marry is a strong step toward a more open and LGBT+ inclusive society. This Economic Brief outlines a handful of propositions describing how marriage equality can benefit businesses and the economy.
January 2020
New Global Champions: Why fast-growing companies from emerging markets are embracing LGBT+ inclusion
Produced in partnership with Boston Consulting Group, this report is the first-ever analysis of the financial impacts of LGBT+ inclusion on some of the fastest growing companies headquartered in emerging markets. LGBT+ inclusion allows high-potential emerging-market companies to more effectively connect with global markets and supply chains, without seeing any negative financial impacts.
November 2019
(Simplified Chinese)
Channels of Influence: How Companies Can Promote LGBT+ Inclusive Societies
Translated by the Beijing LGBT Center, this is the Simplified Chinese version of our Channels of Influence report. Taking action on LGBT+ inclusion in the public sphere is difficult. These actions need to be responsible for the company’s brand, clients and employees and they need to be grounded in local realities of LGBT+ people on the ground. This report provides this guidance for action. The report’s framework identifies five Channels of Influence that companies can use to advance LGBT+ rights in every country they operate in.
August 2019
(Simplified chinese)
report highlights: Strengthening the economic case
Translated by the Beijing LGBT Center, this is the Simplified Chinese version of our report that highlights the key findings of the Strengthening the Economic Case report. It provides a good summary of the report’s insights for a quick overview.
August 2019
The Economic and Business Case for Marriage Equality and LGBT+ inclusion in Taiwan
Marriage for same-sex couples can help Taiwan develop its economic competitiveness and facilitate an environment for companies to thrive. Particularly, the freedom to marry and LGBT+ inclusion can help Taiwan to shift to high-value industries and foster innovation; slow the economic losses that may result from demographic shifts; and help companies perform better as a result of their commitment to inclusion and diversity.
April 2019
Channels of Influence: How Companies Can Promote LGBT+ Inclusive Societies
Taking action on LGBT+ inclusion in the public sphere is difficult. These actions need to be responsible for the company’s brand, clients and employees and they need to be grounded in local realities of LGBT+ people on the ground. This report provides this guidance for action. The report’s framework identifies five Channels of Influence that companies can use to advance LGBT+ rights in every country they operate in.
March 2019
The Economic Case for LGBT+ Inclusion in Kenya
This report shows that LGBT+ inclusion is a key ingredient for economic growth in Kenya. LGBT+ discrimination is costing the country 1.7% of GDP per year, and a focus on LGBT+ inclusion can help provide infrastructure necessary for sustained economic growth.
February 2019
Strengthening the economic case
This report further builds the economic and business case for LGBT+ inclusion. It identifies 27 individual propositions which show that open and inclusive environments are good for business and economic growth. The Special Focus on Cities is also included in this report.
January 2018
report highlights: Strengthening the economic case
This report highlights the key findings of the Strengthening the Economic Case report above. It provides a good summary of the report’s insights for a quick overview.
January 2018
THE ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS CASE FOR LGBT+ INCLUSION
This report presents the most comprehensive evidence base to date for global LGBT+ inclusion: successful businesses thrive in diverse, inclusive societies and the spread of anti-gay policies runs counter to the interests of business and economic development.
September 2015