A Review of the Economics of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

This article reviews the growing literature on the economics of sexual orientation and gender identity, a field that did not exist thirty years ago. We summarize, evaluate, and synthesize the literature on LGBTQ+ peoples’ economic lives and livelihoods across key decision points in the life course: human capital investments, family formation and dissolution, and labor market activities. We identify common themes and patterns in the literature and outline important areas for further inquiry. (JEL D13, I26, I31, J12, J13, J16, J24)