Intersecting Inequalities: Race, Class, and Gender

Question 1

Bostock v Clayton Country

Answer 1

the US Supreme Court decision that extended and applied the 1964 Civil Rights Act to gay and transgender persons. Prior to this, gay and trans people could be discriminated against at work

Question 2

If widespread discrimination against gays and lesbians existed, we would expect the incomes of both groups to be below those of similarly qualified heterosexuals. Is this the case?

Answer 2

No… gay men earn less than straight men, while lesbian woman earn more than straight women.

Question 3

Why do gay men earn less than straight men, while lesbian woman earn more than straight women?

Answer 3

Compared to straight men, gay men are more likely to work in female-dominated service-related professions, which typically earn lower wages. They also work fewer hours (perhaps because they do not experience the pressure to care for children or be the primary breadwinner)
Lesbian women are overrepresented in higher-paying male dominated professions and work more hours than straight women. They accumulate more seniority and higher earnings over time because they are less likely to take time off to care for children.