West Covina Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer

In California, workplace discrimination can take many forms, including discrimination based on a worker’s sexual orientation. Not only is this behavior unfair, but it is also illegal. Whether you work at a restaurant along North Azusa Avenue or teach at Covina High School, you are protected from sexual orientation discrimination under the law. However, this doesn’t always stop this behavior. A West Covina sexual orientation discrimination lawyer can help you.

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GUZMÁN & TOKAR LLP: Standing Up for LGBTQ+ Rights at Work

At GUZMÁN & TOKAR LLP, we are proud to represent LGBTQ+ employees throughout Los Angeles County. When you face discrimination based on your sexual orientation, you have rights, and our team is here to assert those rights and make sure your voice is heard. We pride ourselves on our client-focused service and want to listen to your side of the story in order to drive your case toward the justice and compensation you deserve.

Examples of Sexual Orientation Discrimination in West Covina

In West Covina, sexual orientation discrimination can often be overt, meaning it is very obvious when it occurs. However, there are certain cases where the discriminatory behavior is subtle and harder to prove. Whatever the case, it can be helpful to review examples of workplace sexual orientation discrimination so you can better understand your experience and the legal action you may be entitled to take.

In California, one in five young adults identify as LGBTQ+, making workplace sexual orientation discrimination a real concern for a large portion of the population. It is important to be aware of the ways sexual orientation discrimination can manifest, including the following examples:

• Harassment. An example of harassment as it relates to sexual orientation discrimination could include slurs, jokes, or even threats made to an employee due to their sexual orientation. Even after this employee reports the harassment to the HR department, they may be able to seek a civil claim if nothing is done to rectify the harassment.
• Unequal or unfair treatment. One possible example of unfair or unequal treatment in the workplace due to sexual orientation could look like a bisexual employee experiencing a harsh performance review or being punished for small mistakes when their straight coworkers do not receive punishment for similar or worse behavior. 49% of LGBTQ+ adults describe themselves as bisexual in California.
• Being denied a raise or promotion. An example of this discrimination could include a scenario involving a manager who refuses to promote a lesbian employee in favor of a straight worker, especially if the straight worker is less qualified for the position.
• Refusal to hire. One example of this behavior would be a case where an openly gay individual applied for a job they were perfectly qualified for, and the hiring manager commented on their sexual orientation, deciding to hire a less qualified straight individual for the job.
• Retaliation. If an employee faces sexual orientation discrimination at work and reports it, they are protected legally from any kind of retaliation. However, this fact alone doesn’t always prevent retaliation. If an employee suffers this kind of retaliation, such as demotion or termination, they may be able to file a retaliation claim in addition to a sexual orientation discrimination claim.

Despite California being one of the most progressive states in the country, sexual orientation and other forms of LGBTQ+ discrimination still happen in workplaces throughout Los Angeles County. In fact, in a recent study put out by the Williams Institute, around 45.5% of all LGBTQ+ workers reported being victims of unfair treatment at their place of employment.

What to Do if You Face Sexual Orientation Discrimination at Work

If you believe you have suffered sexual orientation discrimination at your West Covina place of work, there are certain steps that should be taken to protect your rights and any future claim you may wish to file. These steps include:

• Documenting the incidents
• Contact your company’s HR department
• Speaking with an employment rights lawyer should your company not take necessary action to address the discrimination

FAQs

Q: ​How Can a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer Help Me?

A: When you face sexual orientation discrimination at work, a workplace discrimination lawyer can help you in several ways. First, they are there to listen to your side of the story and work to collect evidence that can be used in support of your claim. They can also negotiate with your employer for fair and full compensation, and should negotiations prove unsuccessful, they can take your case to court.

Q: What Damages Can I Recover for Sexual Orientation Discrimination?

A: Depending on the unique factors of your discrimination case, there are several different kinds of damages you may be able to recover. These damages can include any lost wages, income, or earnings resulting from the discrimination, as well as compensation for past and future anxiety, humiliation, emotional distress, or mental suffering.

Q: What Are Some Specific Examples of Workplace Sexual Orientation Discrimination?

A: Sexual orientation discrimination can come in all shapes and sizes. Some possible examples could include the use of transphobic or homophobic slurs, denying a same-sex couple the same benefits provided to heterosexual couples, refusing to allow employees to use the restroom that coincides with their gender identity, and making cruel or harassing statements or remarks to LGBTQ+ workers.

Q: How Do You Prove Sexual Orientation Discrimination at Work?

A: To prove sexual orientation discrimination at your place of work, it is essential to have clear evidence that demonstrates how you were treated. This can include any statements made by coworkers who witnessed or overheard the discrimination, as well as any written communication about it, such as emails, texts, or social media messages.

Hire a Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer Today

In West Covina, sexual orientation discrimination cases can prove complicated, and it is essential to hire a sexual orientation discrimination lawyer. At GUZMÁN & TOKAR LLP, we understand that this is an emotionally challenging time, and we want you to know we stand by your side. Our dedicated team is committed to working hard to recover the damages you have sustained and bring your employer to justice. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.