Human rights and equality are crucial issues in our society today. Everyone is constantly seeking equality, including the LGBT community, which represents sexual diversity. Nowadays, it is undeniable that the LGBT community is highly influential in the modern world. Many well-known figures have come forward to acknowledge and support the rights of LGBT individuals, such as Kesha Rose Sebert, who received the LGBT Visibility Award for her advocacy in fighting against bullying of LGBT youth.

          In reality, the LGBT community is not only influential but also comprises a significant population. According to LGBT CAPITAL (a financial consulting firm primarily serving the LGBT community), as of May 2016, there were 483 million LGBT individuals worldwide out of a global population of 7.4 billion (according to the Population Reference Bureau), accounting for 6.53% of the total population. This represents an increase from 2015, when there were approximately 450 million LGBT individuals, or 6.08% of the global population of 7.3 billion. In terms of GDP, the market value of goods and services for the LGBT community in 2016 was over $5.4 trillion, approximately 189 trillion Thai Baht, which translates to about 391,300 Baht per person per year. This positions the LGBT community as a growing niche market with a significant impact on the economy.

          Additionally, the income levels of the LGBT community are noteworthy. A survey conducted by Justin Lehmiller (the director of the social psychology program at Ball State University) in 2015 revealed the following annual income averages:

  • The G-Gay group has an average income of $59,618, or approximately 2,086,630 Baht, while the average income for heterosexual men is $57,032, or about 1,996,120 Baht.
  • For women, lesbians have an average income of $47,026, or about 1,645,910 Baht, while transgender individuals have an average income of $39,902, or approximately 1,396,570 Baht.

          This shows that the LGBT community has a significantly higher average income compared to other groups. Furthermore, couples within the LGBT community often double their income, creating what is known as the DINK (Double Income No Kids) group.

          The LGBT market in Thailand has also seen significant growth, particularly in tourism. According to reports from Travel Wire Asia, Thailand has been dubbed by many tourists as the capital of the LGBT community in Asia due to the friendly and accepting nature of Thai people towards LGBT tourists, with less resistance compared to some other countries in Asia and around the world.

          It is clear that the LGBT community is influential in thought and possesses considerable purchasing power. This is a market segment that should not be overlooked and presents a great opportunity for many businesses. Therefore, Terrabkk believes that the LGBT community deserves respect and equal rights and freedoms of thought.