Today marks International LGBT Pride Day. By 2023, more than 1,700,000 Peruvians identify with a non-heterosexual sexual orientation. Discrimination and non-recognition of their fundamental rights – life, integrity, identity, health, work and education – are the main problems they must face, considering that there is no specific regulatory framework that supports them, according to the Ombudsman’s Office.
These social problems revealed by the pollster have repercussions on the economy. 30% of Peruvians would not hire a homosexual person, and in the case of a trans person, the rate rises to 37%.
Juan Fonseca, professor in the Department of Humanities at the Universidad del Pacífico, maintains that the figures reflect not only serious social injustice but are also interpreted as a significant loss of human capital.
How does it affect the economy?
67.6% of LGBTIQ+ Peruvians have a job, however, 37.8% are subject to a temporary contract—that is, their possibilities of accessing labor benefits or joining a union are limited. In addition, 10.8% work in their own business and 8.1% are self-employed, while 32.4% are unemployed.
Of the non-heterosexual workforce, 4 out of 10 prefer not to express their orientation for fear of being discriminated against and fired (the latter scenario would be an unjustified dismissal, according to a report by the Institute of Trade Union Studies (IESI).
“These contracting mechanisms such as outsourcing usually mean that LGBTI workers lack job stability and are prevented from obtaining conclusive evidence to file a complaint against dismissal due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity,” the IESI points out.
Along these lines, 5 out of every 10 LGBTIQ+ workers have a monthly income of between S/930 to S/2,000 and 13.5%, between S/2,000 to S/3,000.
No guarantees or job opportunities
Another factor that prevents their labor inclusion is the impediment of having a DNI that represents them. Here, Fonseca adds that the lack of job opportunities, for the majority of trans people, causes them to resort to sex work, exposing themselves to considerable risks and depriving the country of its talent and productive potential. “Ultimately it weakens our economy and social cohesion,” he noted.
It is important to note that 63% of LGBTIQ+ people have been discriminated against, in a context where 71% of Peruvians acknowledge that this group is discriminated against. Mental health is affected by this reality: 60% of LGTBIQ+ workers report symptoms of anxiety, low self-esteem and insecurity and 58% suffer from depression.
A cultural change is urgently needed to promote and raise awareness about the comprehensive health of the LGBTIQ+ community, says Fonseca.
Not everything is negative. 70% of the LGBTIQ+ activists acknowledges that treatment in their workplaces is respectful, and at least one in 10 is unionized – despite the fact that the labor rights of their group are not on the union agenda -, IESI notes.
Source: Larepublica
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