Know Your Rights: Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity Discrimination

Have you been discriminated against in your place of employment because of your sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI)? Start fighting back starting with this understanding: Federal, state and local laws and court decisions ban LGBTQ+ discrimination in a number of ways. These include the following:

• Through civil rights legislation: Employment rights covered under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 include bans on sex discrimination. This includes employment discrimination through hiring, firing and benefits of employment, such as promotions and raises. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) specifies that the federal law applies to public and private employers with 15 or more employers as well as unions, employment agencies and the federal government as an employer.
• Through a key court decision: The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) determined that discrimination on the basis of SOGI was banned under Title VII. This was expressed in the outcome of the Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, discrimination case in 2020.
• Through other legal developments: The EEOC voted in 2011 to recognize that discrimination against transgender individuals is a form of sex discrimination – not allowed under Title VII.

At Ellwanger Henderson, our employment law attorneys stand up for the rights of our clients who have experienced any of these forms of illegal employment discrimination.

Let Us Know If You Have Experienced LGBTQ+ Discrimination On The Job

In our view, we carry on our legacy of civil rights and employment rights work when we evaluate LGBTQ+ rights cases for workers in Texas and nationwide. Our employment discrimination lawyers offer free consultations to potential clients who believe they have experienced illegal discrimination on the basis of SOGI, as follows:

• Not being hired or promoted
• Being demoted or fired
• Being subjected to a hostile work environment through bullying or harassment through words and actions of superiors, co-workers, clients and others in the workplace

You may have heard that you should report such incidents to your employer’s human resources department and/or to the EEOC. For guidance on protecting yourself from retaliation, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation before speaking up.

Lawyers Ready To Defend Your Dignity

Our attorneys’ many successes in civil rights and employment rights litigation highlight their qualifications to address your case with seriousness, skill and determination. They stand against all illegal forms of LGBTQ+ discrimination, including employment discrimination and SOGI-based discrimination in housing, education and public accommodations.

Does your case fall somewhat outside the box? Our team is eager to lend an ear and offer direction in support of your employment rights regarding your sexual orientation or gender identity. To schedule a consultation, call 737-808-2260 or email us.