LGBTQIA+ individuals continue to face significant harassment and discrimination in the workplace, despite legal protections at both the federal and state levels. According to the Human Rights Campaign, nearly 46% of LGBTQIA+ employees report experiencing unfair treatment at work, ranging from offensive remarks to outright exclusion and retaliation. In a diverse and progressive city like Los Angeles, employees should not have to tolerate discriminatory treatment or fear retaliation for standing up for their rights.
LGBTQIA+ harassment can take many forms, including inappropriate comments, denial of opportunities, misgendering, and even retaliation for reporting discrimination. If you’re facing any of these challenges at work, you are not alone, and legal remedies are available to protect your rights.
What is LGBTQIA+ Workplace Harassment?
LGBTQIA+ workplace harassment occurs when an employee is subjected to unwelcome conduct, discrimination, or a hostile work environment due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This harassment can be subtle or overt, and it creates a work environment that is intimidating, hostile, or abusive.
Examples of LGBTQIA+ workplace harassment include:
• Offensive Comments or Jokes: Ridiculing LGBTQIA+ individuals or making derogatory remarks about gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Misgendering: Consistently using incorrect pronouns or names despite repeated corrections.
• Exclusion: Being left out of work events, meetings, or team collaborations because of sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Unequal Treatment: Being passed over for promotions, raises, or leadership roles due to LGBTQIA+ status.
• Retaliation: Facing negative employment actions such as demotion, reduced hours, or termination after reporting harassment.
• Hostile Work Environment: Repeated harassment that creates a toxic or unsafe work environment.
What Laws Protect LGBTQIA+ Employees from Harassment?
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Protects employees from discrimination based on sex, which the U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted to include sexual orientation and gender identity in the landmark 2020 case Bostock v. Clayton County.
• Applies to employers with 15 or more employees.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
• Provides comprehensive protections for LGBTQIA+ employees, covering harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
• Applies to employers with five or more employees and includes gender identity and expression explicitly in its protections.
California Gender Nondiscrimination Act
• Expands workplace protections by prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on gender identity and expression.
California Labor Code Section 1102.5
• Protects employees from retaliation when they report unlawful discrimination or harassment.
These laws work together to ensure LGBTQIA+ employees have the same rights and opportunities as their colleagues.
Why Choose Fraigun Law Group for LGBTQIA+ Harassment Cases?
Facing workplace harassment can be emotionally draining and professionally damaging. Marina Fraigun understands the unique challenges LGBTQIA+ employees encounter and is committed to fighting for their rights. With a deep understanding of Title VII, FEHA, and California’s expansive labor laws, Marina provides aggressive representation to ensure justice is served.Marina Fraigun will work tirelessly to ensure that your employer is held accountable and that you receive the respect, dignity, and compensation you deserve. Don’t suffer in silence—contact the Fraigun Law Group today and take a stand against LGBTQIA+ harassment.
Common Questions about LGBTQIA+ Workplace Harassment
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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY EMPLOYER IGNORES MY HARASSMENT COMPLAINT?
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CAN MY EMPLOYER FIRE ME FOR REPORTING HARASSMENT BASED ON MY SEXUAL ORIENTATION?
No. Retaliation for reporting workplace harassment is illegal under both federal and state laws, and you may be entitled to damages if you are terminated.
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WHAT DAMAGES CAN I RECOVER IN AN LGBTQIA+ HARASSMENT LAWSUIT?
You may recover lost wages, emotional distress damages, attorney’s fees, and in some cases, punitive damages.
How Fraigun Law Group Can Help
Facing workplace discrimination can leave you feeling overwhelmed and powerless, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Fraigun Law Group stands as a champion for employees, committed to dismantling injustice and holding employers accountable. Marina Fraigun brings an unwavering focus to your case, transforming your frustrations into actionable legal strategies that deliver results. With Marina, you’ll have a tenacious advocate who listens to your story, provides practical advice, and takes decisive action to protect your career and your future. From filing initial complaints to pursuing justice in court, Fraigun Law Group is with you every step of the way, ensuring your rights are upheld and your voice is heard. When employers think they’re too powerful to answer for their actions, Fraigun Law Group reminds them that no one is above the law. Don’t let discrimination define your career—call today to take the first step toward justice. Together, we’ll make things right.