LGBTQ Discrimination Los Angeles Attorneys

LGBTQ Discrimination Los Angeles Attorneys

Los Angeles is one of the top influential states to pass the first LGBTQ friendly laws and rights. Los Angeles is considered the nation’s second-largest city, and is home to the country’s second-largest LGBTQ population. Since enacting several LGBTQ laws and protections, the city has been vibrant, and more tolerant. However, there is still LGBTQ discrimination common in the workplace. Unfortunately, workplace discrimination is still misconduct members of the LGBTQ community have to face. Members of the LGBTQ community have fought for decades struggling for equality and representation. However, there is still a long way to go since many members still face discrimination and unfair treatment at work by their employers.

If you or a loved one has faced discrimination for being part of the LGBTQ community from your employer, contact our Los Angeles discrimination attorneys today. Our attorneys will hold a confidential no risk consultation where we will discuss the merits of your claim, and discuss the potential damages you could receive for the discrimination.

We understand that it could be very difficult, oftentimes a very traumatic experience to endure discrimination at work. Many employees are left scrambling trying to look for their options. Other employees don’t even know that they may have a claim against their employer for compensation.

With Los Angeles housing one of the largest LGBTQ populations, members of the LGBTQ community are employed in various industries, including entertainment, service jobs, administrative jobs, medical jobs, etc. Unfortunately, one in five of all reported hate crimes had to do with bias against sexual orientation. 82% of those crimes were anti-gay, and 14% of those crimes were anti lesbian.

California LGBTQ Anti-discrimination Laws

Under California Code Section 12926(s),  sexual orientation is defined as “heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality.”  The code also makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to

“…refuse to hire or employ the person or to refuse to select the person for a training program leading to employment, or to bar or to discharge the person from employment or from a training program leading to employment, or to discriminate against the person in compensation or in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.” These laws apply when you consider yourself part of the LGBTQ community. This law also applies to companies who have been formed elsewhere, and do work in California.

Examples of LGBTQ Discrimination at Work

There are several different types of ways discrimination at work could occur. It could occur directly, or indirectly. Examples of LGBTQ discrimination employees could face is:

• When an employer refuses to hire you because you belong to the LGBTQ community simply on your looks during the interview
• When an employer refuses to promote you to a higher position because you belong to the LGBTQ community
• When your employer discharges you when they hear that you are part of the LGBTQ community
• When your employer reduces your hours, compensation, or employment benefits after hearing that you belong to the LGBTQ community
• When your employer makes verbal derogatory comments about your sexual orientation
• When your landlord increases your rent after learning about your sexual orientation

If you have experienced any of the above circumstances, contact our Los Angeles attorneys today.

Exceptions to California’s LGBTQ Anti-discrimination Law

These California laws do not apply to nonprofit organizations. It is important to note that  the federal government does not have laws similar to California’s anti-discrimination laws, which means that those who work for the federal government do not enjoy similar workplace LGBTQ discrimination protections. Examples of federal government jobs that do not qualify under these anti-discrimination laws include:

• Correctional officers
• Transportation security officers
• Lumber investigators
• Food Service workers
• Members of the U.S. Department of Defense
• Members of the Customs and Border Protection Agency

What should I do if I have faced LGBTQ discrimination at work in Los Angeles?

Our attorneys advise that you take a variety of steps after being discriminated against at work. These steps include:

• Document everything regarding the discrimination. Keep detailed information regarding the event that led to the discrimination, along with names and contact information of any other witnesses.
•  If possible, report to your human resources department at work. Oftentimes, many employees feel as though the human resources department may not be effectively assisting the situation, especially if the  employer who discriminated against you has a high-ranking position.
•  Contact our Los Angeles employment law attorneys to file a claim against your employer. It is very important that you contact our attorneys immediately.  It is important to seek guidance  and legal support. We are here to help, and to defend your employment rights.

What compensation could I receive if I was discriminated against at work in Los Angeles?

The different types of compensation you could receive depends on the circumstances of the discrimination. Examples of different remedies include, but are not limited to:

• Attorneys fees
• Court costs
• Back pay: this refers to the lost wages as a result of you taking time off work from the discrimination
• Front pay: this refers to future anticipated wages
• Emotional distress

Other than money compensation, there could also be several injunctions put in place, such as forcing the employer to conduct LGBTQ training sessions and promoting an anti-discrimination work environment. Failure to do so could be subject to several fines.

What will our Los Angeles LGBTQ attorneys do?

• We will hold a free no risk and confidential consultation where we will discuss the merits of your claim, and what led to the discrimination at work. During this time, feel free to ask any questions regarding your case and our experience.
• We have had decades of experience representing employees who have been discriminated against at work, especially those who belong to the LGBTQ community.
• We have relationships with top rated Los Angeles experts who will establish the emotional distress felt on your end.
• We will create an efficient and effective legal strategy to pursue your claims.
• We negotiate and communicate with the other side while you focus on healing from your traumatic experience.