Is There Gold at the End of the Rainbow? Examining the Effect of Homosexuality on Employment and Earnings

Abstract

This study uses data from the American Community Survey (2013-2015), which allows respondents to identify themselves in a same-sex marriage, to examine how homosexuality affects employment likelihood and earnings for married individuals. In my analysis I demonstrate employment and earnings comparisons differ depending on the reference group. Using what I believe to be the most accurate reference group, comparing gay married individuals to straight married individuals of the same gender, I find that gay married men are 4.8% less likely to be employed than straight married men in the labor force, and earn 11.8% less when employed. I find that gay married women are 13.4% less likely to be employed than straight married women in the labor force, but earn 18.6% more when employed. I conclude, based on variables I controlled for in my regression, that the deficits for gay married individuals are evidence of continued employment and wage discrimination.