Unequal Returns: Examining LGBQ Wage Disparities Through Human Capital and Intersectionality Frameworks.docx

<p dir="ltr">This study investigates economic disparities experienced by individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBTQ+) in comparison to their heterosexual counterparts, with a focus on income, job insecurity, and financial well-being. Grounded in intersectionality theory and human capital theory, the research examines how sexual orientation—alongside educational qualifications, job quality, and structural barriers—affects wage outcomes and subjective life satisfaction. A nationwide sample of 294 adult participants was collected through an online Qualtrics survey, with analysis controlling for key socio-demographic variables including education, age, gender, and marital status. The study further evaluates two dimensions of job insecurity: quantitative (i.e., perceived threat of job loss) and qualitative (i.e., deterioration of work conditions), and their implications for income and well-being among LGBTQ+ individuals. Results are expected to demonstrate that, despite comparable levels of human capital, LGBTQ+ individuals face wage suppression and systemic barriers that hinder financial security. This study contributes to the limited empirical literature on LGBTQ+ labor market outcomes and highlights the need for inclusive frameworks in addressing income inequality and employment discrimination.</p>