Coyle Browne Law

San Diego LGBTQ+ Discrimination Lawyer

San Diego LGBTQ+ Discrimination Attorney

Despite the many advances in LGBTQ+ rights within the last few decades, the law still lags behind progress, especially in the employment realm. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, it is important that you work with a lawyer who is experienced in these particular areas. Advances in the law continue to be made everyday. The knowledgeable San Diego employment lawyers at Browne Employment Lawyers have years of experience in this realm and can explain your legal options during a confidential consultation.

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Why Hire a San Diego LGBTQ+ Discrimination Attorney?
What is LGBTQ+ Discrimination?
What Are My Rights Regarding LGTBQ+ Discrimination?
San Diego LGBTQ+ Discrimination FAQs
Contact Us Today

Why Hire Browne Employment Lawyers’ LGBTQ+ Discrimination Lawyers in San Diego?

When addressing the issue of LGBTQ+ discrimination in the workplace, having Browne Employment Lawyers by your side means working with legal advocates who strive to protect your rights. Here’s why we are an ideal choice:

Compassionate and Nonjudgmental Attorneys 

At Browne Employment Lawyers, we prioritize compassion and understanding towards all our clients. We recognize the emotional weight each case carries, especially when dealing with issues of discrimination

Here, you will find attorneys who listen authentically and work diligently to understand your specific situation free from any form of judgment. Our goal is to create a safe space in which you feel entirely comfortable sharing every detail necessary for making your case as strong as it can be.

Decades of Experience

Over the course of several decades, our law firm has accumulated a wealth of experience in handling discrimination cases. This means we have gained detailed understanding and practical experience, fine-tuning our strategies to ensure that your case receives top-notch representation

Recovered Millions for Our Clients

Employment Lawyers have successfully recovered millions on behalf of our clients in discrimination cases, demonstrating our effectiveness in fighting for and securing the compensation our clients rightfully deserve. 

With Browne Employment Lawyers handling your LGBTQ+ discrimination claim, you can take comfort knowing we bring a wealth of successful experiences and will strategize for the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation.

What Is LGBTQ+ Discrimination in the Workplace?

LGBTQ+ discrimination occurs when an employer negatively affects the terms or conditions of your employment due to your sexual orientation or gender identity. Sexual orientation refers to the sex to which a person is attracted while gender identity refers to the gender to which they identify the most, if any. LGBTQ+ discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee less favorably or takes adverse employment action against them because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, which might include:

  • Making jokes or slurs about an employee’s or applicant’s sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Rescinding a job offer after learning of a gender transition
  • Forcing an employee to quit due to a hostile work environment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Harassing an employee due to their sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Not allowing workers to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity
  • Asking about an applicant’s sexual orientation or gender identity during an interview
  • Mistreating an employee because they are believed to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community but are not
  • Excluding gender-affirming care or same-sex spouse coverage in an employer-provided health insurance plan
  • Retaliating against an employee for complaining about LGBT discrimination or supporting another employee in their complaint

If you believe that you were discriminated against because of your gender identity at work, our San Diego gender discrimination attorneys can help you fight for the justice you deserve.

What Are My Rights in the Workplace?

There are a number of laws that may protect your rights in the workplace, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The EEOC has found that gender identity discrimination is sex discrimination and is, therefore, prohibited. California has one of the broadest laws in the country that protects LGBTQ+ workers. This law applies to most employers in California with five or more employees. It protects you from discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. If your employer takes any of the following actions because of these characteristics, it might be discrimination:

  • Refuses to hire you
  • Demotes you
  • Fails to promote you
  • Fires you
  • Forces you to quit
  • Denies you benefits to which you are entitled
  • Harasses you
  • Otherwise changes the conditions of your employment

If you suspect your rights may have been violated, reach out to an experienced wrongful termination lawyer for help.

Compensation Available in an LGBTQ+ Discrimination Case

If you’re confronting LGBTQ+ discrimination in the workplace, it’s crucial to be aware that you have rights entitling you to various forms of compensation. While we know money won’t make up for the pain you’ve experienced, it may help you seek closure moving forward. Below are the types of damages that might be recoverable:

Lost Wages

If workplace discrimination has led to termination, demotion, or affected your ability to earn bonuses and commissions, you may be eligible for compensation for these lost wages. The intention is to make up for salary and benefits missed due to discriminatory actions. This could include back pay and sometimes even front pay as well if you aren’t reinstated and are unable to find equivalent employment.

Pain and Suffering

Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity can significantly affect your mental health and emotional well-being. Recognizing this, the law permits victims to seek compensation for pain and suffering. The assessment here involves determining how the discrimination impacted your life – such as causing depression, anxiety, or other forms of emotional distress. – and then compensating you for it.

Punitive Damages

In instances where LGBTQ+ discrimination is found to be intentional or particularly malicious, punitive damages may come into play. While punitive damages do compensate you for harm that you’ve suffered, their larger goal is to punish your employer and discourage similar misconduct in the future.

Securing these various forms of compensation can be an important step in healing from LGBTQ+ discrimination, holding wrongdoers accountable, and fostering a fairer workplace environment for everyone.

Areas We Serve

We serve all over San Diego, CA, including:

Torrey Pines  | San Ysidro | Clairemont | Point Loma | South Park  | La Jolla  | La MesaHillcrest | Bay Park | North ParkEl CajonGaslamp Quarter| Balboa ParkEncinitas | Mission ValleyNormal Heights | University Heights | East Village | Mission Hills | Bay Ho | Little ItalyOld Town | National CityPacific Beach | Paradise Hills | Bankers Hill | Solana BeachRancho Peñasquitos

San Diego LGBTQ+ Discrimination FAQs

How can a LGBTQ+ discrimination lawyer assist me?

Our specialized San Diego LGBTQ+ discrimination lawyers have expertise in employment law. We can evaluate your situation, offer legal guidance, collect evidence, engage in negotiations with your employer, and, if needed, litigate to protect your rights and seek appropriate remedies.

What are common examples of LGBTQ+ discrimination at work?

Examples include unequal pay, denial of promotions, derogatory comments, refusal to provide necessary accommodations, and creating a hostile environment due to sexual orientation or gender identity.

What remedies could I receive for a successful LGBTQ+ discrimination claim?

Remedies can include back pay, front pay, promotion, reinstatement, compensation for emotional distress, attorney’s fees, and more.

Is there a deadline for filing an LGBTQ+ discrimination claim?

Yes, statutes of limitations set time limits for filing claims. These vary depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction. Consulting an attorney promptly is crucial to protect your rights.

Contact an Experienced LGBTQ+ Discrimination Lawyer

If you have been mistreated at work, you do not need to try to stand up for your rights alone. The employment attorneys at Browne Employment Lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community through zealous advocacy and compassion. You have a limited amount of time to take legal action, so don’t delay. Contact us today to discuss your case with a skilled LGBT discrimination lawyer during a confidential consultation.

Client Testimonial: “David was very honest and upfront about my work issue, and told me just what I could expect. He was very proactive in handling my case and keeping me informed at all times. And he helped me to a resolution I could live with.” – Nancy, Client

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