ECONOMIC INCLUSION OF LGBTI GROUPS IN THAILAND CONTEXT In almost every country, prevent them from capitalizing of the existing data on stigma against a non- on opportunities to lead SOGI issues in Thailand is normative sexual orientation a better life, they also rob qualitative in nature and based and gender identity (SOGI) them of dignity. on interviews, focus group fuels the social exclusion of discussions and consultations. lesbians, gays, bisexuals, In Thailand, a growing body transgender and intersex of research indicates that In an effort to close this gap, (LGBTI) people. In turn, LGBTI people and sexual/ the World Bank Group, in stigma and exclusion limits gender minorities experience partnership with the Faculty their access to markets, lower employment, education, of Learning Sciences and services and spaces. Due health, housing and lower Education, Thammasat to this exclusion, these socio-economic outcomes University and Love Frankie, individuals are especially than the general population. conducted research to vulnerable to violence, further They experience an immense generate new data on the discrimination, and diminished pressure from society at economic discrimination opportunities in life. Such large to conform to hetero- and exclusion of LGBTI disadvantages not only normative norms. Yet, much individuals in Thailand. QUICK FACTS Objectives of the research were: • Identify challenges and opportunities for LGBTI people • Uncover the experiences of LGBTI people • Compare perceptions, attitudes and behavior among non-LGBTI people 3,502 Thais took the online surveys: 1,200 non-LGBTI 18-39 Respondents were YEARS OLD predominantly young 2,302 82% LGBTI LGBTI 52% NON-LGBTI Bangkok LIVE IN BANGKOK The survey asked LGBTI/non-LGBTI respondents about their experiences in the following areas: EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT HOUSING FINANCE HEALTH Applying for Applying for jobs, Renting or buying Accessing banking INSURANCE or studying at accessing jobs, individually or products and Accessing health education and leadership roles with a partner services services and vocational training treatments institutions 46% 38% LGBTI experience more Discrimination is worse for Lesbians say they face discrimination than the transgender community the most discrimination non-LGBTI respondents when buying property (46% LGBTI, 38% non-LGBTI) and in the labor market For all regions, discrimination in the labor market is experienced extensively by LGBTI: 77% 62.5% 49% 40% 22.7% 77% transgender, 49% gay male 40% of transgender 22.7% of gay male respondents and 62.5% lesbian respondents respondents experienced weren’t promoted because said their job applications were harassment or were they were LGBTI refused because they were LGBTI ridiculed at work 24.5% 23.7% 19% 24.5% of lesbian, gay male and 23.7% of transgender 19% of gay men experience transgender respondents were told respondents were told to significant discrimination not to show or mention being LGBTI use the toilet according in the labor market to their birth sex 60% 60% of transgender respondents face workplace discrimination Lesbian respondents Few LGBTI and non-LGBTI Family and friends are the first experience significantly people surveyed are aware point of contact that LGBTI people higher levels of of laws prohibiting anti-LGBTI confide to when experiencing discrimination than discrimination discrimination, and are very gay respondents unlikely to report through formal complaint mechanisms or law enforcement agencies THE WORLD BANK AND SOGI The World Bank approaches sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) inclusion through our commitments on gender equality and social inclusion. Building on its work on HIV/AIDS over the last decade, the World Bank has taken a more comprehensive approach to SOGI inclusion throughout the organization’s management and operations. In January 2015, the Bank established a SOGI Task Force to place a stronger emphasis on the SOGI agenda as well as to spearhead a coherent effort for SOGI inclusion. The multi-sectorial task force has members from different parts of the World Bank, which opens opportunities for influencing existing and forthcoming operational and analytical work. PARTNERSHIPS AND CONTRIBUTIONS Direct Research Partners: Supported By: Research Advisory Group: Andaman Power & Rung Andaman Phuket Dissemination Partners: CONTACT US World Bank Thailand 30th Floor, 989 Siam Piwat Tower 989 Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +662 686-8300 Email: thailand@worldbank.org www.worldbank.org/thailand facebook.com/worldbankthailand