San Diego LGBTQ+ Discrimination Attorney

Despite the many advances in LGBTQ+ rights within the last few decades, the law still lags behind progress, especially in the employment realm. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, it is important that you work with a lawyer who is experienced in these particular areas. Advances in the law continue to be made everyday. The knowledgeable lawyers at Coyle Brown Law have years of experience in this realm and can explain your legal options during a confidential consultation.

What Is LGBTQ+ Discrimination in the Workplace?

LGBTQ+ discrimination occurs when an employer negatively affects the terms or conditions of your employment due to your sexual orientation or gender identity. Sexual orientation refers to the sex to which a person is attracted while gender identity refers to the gender to which they identify the most, if any. LGBTQ+ discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee less favorably or takes adverse employment action against them because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, which might include:

• Making jokes or slurs about an employee’s or applicant’s sexual orientation or gender identity
• Rescinding a job offer after learning of a gender transition
• Forcing an employee to quit due to a hostile work environment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity
• Harassing an employee due to their sexual orientation or gender identity
• Not allowing workers to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity
• Asking about an applicant’s sexual orientation or gender identity during an interview
• Mistreating an employee because they are believed to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community but are not
• Excluding gender-affirming care or same-sex spouse coverage in an employer-provided health insurance plan
• Retaliating against an employee for complaining about LGBT discrimination or supporting another employee in their complaint

What Are My Rights in the Workplace?

There are a number of laws that may protect your rights in the workplace, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The EEOC has found that gender identity discrimination is sex discrimination and is, therefore, prohibited. California has one of the broadest laws in the country that protects LGBTQ+ workers. This law applies to most employers in California with five or more employees. It protects you from discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. If your employer takes any of the following actions because of these characteristics, it might be discrimination:

• Refuses to hire you
• Demotes you
• Fails to promote you
• Fires you 
• Forces you to quit
• Denies you benefits to which you are entitled
• Harasses you
• Otherwise changes the conditions of your employment

If you suspect your rights may have been violated, reach out to an experienced LGBTQ+ for help.

Contact an Experienced LGBTQ+ Discrimination Lawyer

If you have been mistreated at work, you do not need to try to stand up for your rights alone. The attorneys at Coyle Brown Law are dedicated to protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community through zealous advocacy and compassion. You have a limited amount of time to take legal action, so don’t delay. Contact us today to discuss your case with a skilled LGBT discrimination lawyer during a confidential consultation.