Purpose : This perspective paper developed an upstream human-capital framework linking LGBTQ+ adolescents and young people’s developmental experiences with educational continuity, career development, and future workforce participation in India.

Design/Methodology/Approach : A conceptual multidisciplinary approach integrated developmental psychology, LGBTQ+ studies, human-capital economics, strategic human resource management (SHRM), and Indian public policy to develop theoretical pathways rather than estimate effect sizes or establish causality.

Findings : The framework proposed that socio-cultural exclusion could create developmental barriers, while supportive environments could strengthen self-efficacy and resilience, potentially supporting educational persistence, career adaptability, and workforce participation. These represented conceptual pathways rather than evidence of direct economic causality.

Practical Implications : Policymakers, educational institutions, and corporations could complement workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion through age-appropriate interventions supporting educational continuity, psychosocial well-being, skills development, and career exposure, subject to corporate social responsibility and safeguarding requirements.

Originality/Value : The paper extended existing economic arguments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender inclusion by shifting attention upstream from workplace inclusion to developmental conditions preceding labor-market entry. It integrated minority stress theory, social cognitive theory, human-capital theory, and SHRM within an Indian LGBTQ+ inclusion framework.

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