This work explores the economic lives of gays and lesbians in the United States. It debunks common stereotypical ideas about gay privilege, income and consumer behaviour. By studying the ends and means of gay life from an economic perspective, the author disproves the assumption that gay men and lesbians are more affluent than heterosexuals, that they inspire discrimination when coming out of the closet, that they consume more conspicuously, and that they lead a more hedonistic lifestyle. Badgett analyzes crucial issues that affect the livelihood of gay men and lesbians: discrimination in the workplace, denial of healthcare benefits to domestic partners and children, lack of access to legal institutions, such as marriage, the corporate wooing of gay consumer dollars and the use of gay economic clout to inspire social and political change.