LGBTQ discrimination at work

The country has made great strides in LGBTQ rights and protects in the past twenty years. California employment law prohibits discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. However, employees continue to report high rates of workplace discrimination.

If you’re facing this kind of discrimination or harassment, you can get help. At the law office of Le Clerc & Le Clerc LLP in San Francisco, we understand the ways discrimination can impact your life. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting LGBT employees in the Bay Area and throughout the state. We do not tolerate discrimination in the workplace, and you don’t have to, either.

Discrimination, Unfair Treatment, and Wrongful Termination

Unfair treatment or harassment can impact your ability to perform your job duties as well as cause emotional distress. It is important to recognize you have rights. In California, LGBTQ people are protected by multiple laws, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). This law requires employers to treat LGBTQ workers like any other employee. It makes discrimination such as firing, demoting, cutting hours, cutting pay, or refusing to hire someone because of their LGBTQ status illegal.

In addition, California has the Gender Nondiscrimination Act (GNA). Under the GNA, employers can’t make employment decisions based on a worker’s gender expression or identity. They also may not bar workers from using the bathroom of their actual gender or force them to used the bathroom of the gender they were assigned at birth.

Discrimination can make your job difficult in many different ways. In some cases, discrimination can lead to a hostile work environment or unfair acts against the employee. Common examples of discriminatory workplace behavior against LGBTQ people include:

• Not being considered for a promotion due to your LGBTQ status
• Being wrongfully terminated by biased supervisors
• Having your hours cut due to your gender presentation or sexual orientation 
• Harassment by coworkers and supervisors, such as offensive terms, jokes, or stereotypes
• Having your complaints about harassment ignored

If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your sexual orientation, contact us today to discuss what legal action you can take.

Holding Employers Accountable

Our lawyers have decades of combined experience advocating for employees’ rights. We know what’s at stake and how to address the challenges you face in the workplace. We will guide you through the legal process, which will include explaining your rights and what we can do to hold your employer accountable for its actions.Discrimination claims may help you recover damages and potentially lead to the reinstatement of your job if you were wrongfully fired. Contact our law firm online or call us at 415-445-0900 to discuss the specific details of your case. We offer free initial consultations, and we will provide compassionate legal advice during this emotional time of your life.