I am sorry to hear about your discrimination. Despite all the advancements that have been made legally in protecting the rights of gays and lesbians, discrimination still occurs. Sometimes that discrimination occurs in the workplace, which is illegal.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes discrimination based on certain characteristics, including sex, illegal. In 2011 and 2012, the EEOC ruled that job discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals was discrimination based on sex and is therefore illegal. In addition to protections under federal law, state law in California also outlaws harassment and discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression.
Sexual orientation discrimination occurs when someone is treated differently based on his or her sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation. It does not matter if the perception of your sexual orientation is correct or incorrect. You can also have a potential claim if you were harassed at work because of your sexual orientation.
Some examples of sexual orientation discrimination include not being hired because of your sexual orientation, being fired because of your sexual orientation, being denied a promotion due to your sexual orientation, being kept away from customers or clients because of your sexual orientation, or being treated differently after co-workers find out about your sexual orientation. In all of those situations, you may be able to bring a claim under federal or state law.
If you have experienced discrimination in the workplace in Los Angeles because of your sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, you should speak with an attorney. Call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles employment law attorney, at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule your free consultation.