Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people is widespread and LGBTI exclusion from economic markets, vital services and political spaces is entrenched. This is not just a personal problem, it is a development challenge
not only because discrimination is inherently unjust, but also because "there are substantial costs-social, political, and economic-to not addressing the exclusion of entire groups of people." Understanding the barriers LGBTI people face in accessing markets, services, and spaces is important for designing more inclusive policies and programs.