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LGBTQ+ Discrimination

LGBTQ+ (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) Discrimination Attorneys

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Home › Employment Law › Discrimination and Harassment › LGBTQ+ Discrimination

The attorneys at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight are fiercely committed to combatting discrimination against LGBTQ+ employees. We understand the difficulties facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (“LGBTQ+” or “LGBTQIA+”) employees. Discrimination against workers based on their sexual orientation and gender identity (“SOGI” or “SOGIE”) is all too common. Armed with experience and compassion, our LGBT discrimination lawyers are ready to help you understand your rights and advocate fearlessly on your behalf.

Latest Updates on LGBTQ+ Employees’ Rights

We understand the current fear and uncertainty surrounding the rights of LGBTQ+ employees. Recent executive orders have taken aim at the LGBTQ+ community. This includes announcing that the Executive Branch will only recognize two sexes and instructing staff at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) not to investigate claims of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

These actions are currently being challenged in court. But regardless of the outcome, it is important to remember that the Supreme Court has established that discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is still illegal in most workplaces across the country. Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight’s LGBT discrimination lawyers are continuing to vigorously enforce these rights.

 

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Examples Of LGBTQ+ Discrimination

Unfortunately, substantial numbers of workers experience unfair treatment at work based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Nearly half of LGBTQ+ workers have faced discrimination in the workplace.

Examples of LGBTQ+ discrimination include:

  • Harassment based on sexual preference or gender identity
  • Frequent derogatory comments about gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or nonbinary individuals
  • Persistent failure to use correct name or pronouns
  • Denial of promotions based on sexual preference or gender identity
  • Denial of equal access to bathrooms, locker rooms, or showers that correspond to gender identity
  • Different treatment by managers after discovering your sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Denial of insurance or other work benefits because of sexual orientation or gender identity

Are LGBTQ+ Employees Protected In The Workplace?

Yes, federal and state laws protect most LGBTQ+ employees from discrimination in the workplace based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In Bostock v. Clayton County, the Supreme Court recognized that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits workplace discrimination against LGBTQ+ employees and ruled that “[a]n employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defies the law.” In addition, many state laws prohibit workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Our LGBTQ+ discrimination lawyers can help you understand your rights and will fearlessly pursue the justice you deserve.

Possible Resolutions

Our LGBTQ+ discrimination lawyers will work to protect your rights. Case outcomes vary, but possible remedies include compensation and policy reform.

For more information on how cases progress, please see our blog post, Pre-suit Matters vs. Litigation: What Does it All Mean?.

How Our Lawyers Can Help You

The lawyers at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight have won millions of dollars for those who suffered discrimination in the workplace. Our LGBTQ+ discrimination lawyers help clients throughout the country with all types of workplace discrimination and harassment cases. This includes representing executives and employees who have been unlawfully mistreated due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight’s Discrimination and Harassment Practice Group has a proven track record of successfully resolving sexual orientation and gender identity cases, including:

  • Negotiating a pre-suit settlement for an employee of a religious university fired on account of sexual orientation
  • Litigating sexual orientation and religious discrimination claims on behalf of a former general counsel
  • Negotiating a settlement on behalf of a transgender employee terminated after her gender transition

To learn about how Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight’s LGBTQ+ discrimination lawyers can assist you in your sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination claims, contact us today.

LGBTQ+ Legal Resources

Our experienced LGBT discrimination lawyers and staff have created several resources to help guide and support employees facing discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

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Gender Discrimination Verdict Against Pharma Company

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