In the last few years, legislators around California have enacted laws that are designed to protect LGBT Americans from discrimination in their workplaces. The EOCC is the agency responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws for all American workers. Under federal law, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate or harass an employee because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
However, this does not mean that individuals are not discriminated against in the workplace. When this happens, an employee has the right to pursue a discrimination case. If you are facing such a scenario, it is important that you contact a trusted Studio City LGBT discrimination lawyer for help.
Are you looking for an LGBT discrimination lawyer that you can trust to handle your case in Studio City, California? Reach out to us at Fraigun Law Group. We are an experienced firm that handles employment law cases in Studio City and will provide legal guidance and point you in the best direction regarding your discrimination case.
Reach out to us today at 818-981-1800 to schedule a free consultation.
What Is LGBT Discrimination?
LGBT discrimination in employment occurs when job applicants or employees are treated unfavorably because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It includes:
- Failing to hire qualified applicants because of their sexual orientation or gender identity
- Displaying any anti-LGBT images in the workplace
- Demeaning comments or bullying from supervisors
- Denying equal pay, promotions, or raises because an employee is LGBT
- Wrongfully terminating an employee because they are LGBT
- Retaliating against workers who file discrimination complaints
- Hostile treatment of employees who are openly LGBT
- Making offensive comments directed at an employee because of their perceived sexual orientation
The groups discriminated against include:
- Gay males
- Lesbian women
- Bisexual individuals
- Transgender men and women
- Anyone perceived to be part of the LGBTQ community
LGBTQ Legal Protections in California
Below are several U.S. and California laws prohibiting workplace discrimination against LGBT community members. Our Van Nuys LGBT discrimination attorney understands all these laws to ensure you’re your work in a conducive environment away from discrimination and prejudice.
Title VII
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 covers allegations of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation is illegal since it qualifies as discrimination based on sex/gender.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act
California offers additional protections to members of the LGBT community through the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). This law explicitly prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against employees in all stages of employment. However, this law only applies to employers with 5 or more employees.
The California Department of Employment and Housing (DFEH) is responsible for enforcing this law.
To file a lawsuit based on protections provided by FEHA, you need to file an official complaint with the DFEH.
How Do I File a Sexual Orientation Discrimination Claim?
If you believe that you are a victim of adverse treatment from an employer because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, a lawyer is the best person to help you. Call a Studio City LGBT discrimination lawyer immediately to help you in the legal process.
Keep in mind that you do not have to be openly LGBT to receive discrimination against sexual orientation. If your employer has mistreated you because they believe you are not heterosexual or cisgender, then this is grounds for a discrimination claim.
What Kind of Damages Are Recoverable in an LGBT Discrimination Claim?
It is crucial to file an EEOC claim once you experience any sexual orientation discrimination at your workplace. It will hold the employer accountable for their mistreatment of LGBT employees and secure any damages owed due to their behavior.
Most cases involve the wrongful termination of an LGBT individual. If an employee is terminated because of their sexual orientation, the claim could potentially ensure they are reinstated to their job if that is what the individual desires.
Other damages recoverable include pay for lost income, compensation for emotional and mental distress due to the experience, and punitive damages for the employer. Discrimination and harassment in the workplace due to a person’s sexual orientation can cause issues such as depression, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
Punitive damages may not always be included, but the court may require the employer to pay punitive damages.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for My LGBT Discrimination Case?
While you could decide to represent yourself in your LGBT discrimination case, it is worth noting that there are several procedures and claims to handle in such a situation. If you are trying to comb through all the information necessary, you may become overwhelmed. A lawyer has the legal know-how and understands the process perfectly. It means that you can rest assured that an expert is handling your case.
Apart from that, facing your employer after such a situation can be challenging. Having a trusted LGBT discrimination lawyer in Studio City will ensure that you have the knowledge, resources, and skills necessary to face your employer and hold them accountable for the poor treatment you endured due to your sexual orientation.
Can I File a Claim If the Harassment Was by Nonemployees?
Although most companies in Studio City have instituted LGBT-friendly workplaces, it does not always mean that people who are LGBT in sexual orientation will not face harassment by visitors or outside contractors that come to the workplace. Your employer is responsible for acting against any harassment by nonemployees towards employees with a different sexual orientation.
The first step should be filing a complaint against the nonemployee with the Human Resource Department. If there is no action against the person and the harassment continues, you can always contact a lawyer about your legal options.
What Can Fraigun Law Group Do for Me in My LGBT Discrimination Case?
Our lawyers have experience and have represented numerous clients in their LGBT discrimination cases. Our experience allows us to assess your case efficiently and come up with a strategy to help the client. We also understand discrimination laws in the State of California, so we are certain that you will get any deprived benefits and damages you are owed from your employer.
We at Fraigun Law Group understand that discrimination due to sexual orientation is illegal, which is why we have our best lawyers representing you and providing legal counsel throughout the time your case is underway.
We also understand how overwhelming and despairing it can be to go through workplace discrimination, which is why we let you rest and handle all the aspects of your case. Our dedication knows no bounds and we will not stop fighting to ensure that you receive proper compensation.
Do not let LGBT discrimination in the workplace have you lose your job or fail to get well-deserved promotions. We are willing to represent you vigorously and demand maximum compensation for your settlement or lawsuit.
Call our Top Studio City LGBT Discrimination Lawyers Today!
Our accomplished lawyers are devoted to ensuring that LGBT rights in the workplace are upheld. Do not hesitate to call if you feel that you have been overlooked for a worthy promotion, fired because of your gender identity or sexual orientation, or if you are being deprived of benefits at the workplace due to this reason.
Calling us at Fraigun Law Group is a sure way of getting justice if you feel that you are being discriminated against at work because of your sexual orientation. Call us today at 818-981-1800 to get the benefits of an experienced LGBT discrimination lawyer in Studio City, CA. We offer a free initial consultation.