Transgender Discrimination and Harassment Lawyers
Transgender men and women face some of the most daunting challenges in the workplace—largely because many of the rules protecting transgender individuals are still being formed. Many lawyers do not handle cases involving transgender issues, but at Ricotta & Marks, P.C., we do. Though transgender discrimination is an evolving area of the law, it does not mean that you as a transgender individual do not have rights. You do. Our experienced transgender discrimination and harassment lawyers are dedicated to enforcing them.
At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our transgender discrimination and harassment lawyers in Queens and Long Island are committed to advocating for fairness in the workplace—for everyone. You should not be treated differently because of your gender identity. If you faced employment discrimination based on actual or perceived transgender status, we can help. Call our law firm today to set up a strictly confidential consultation with an experienced workplace discrimination lawyer.
Transgender Discrimination: Know Your Rights Under the Law
For too many years, transgender and gender nonconforming people lived outside of the protection of workplace discrimination laws. Thankfully, things are changing for the better and our laws (and our courts) are recognizing basic humans rights, with the Supreme Court just recently holding that federal anti-discrimination laws cover members of the LGBTQ community. That being said, workplace discrimination still remains a very serious problem.
Transgender individuals often face the same forms of harassment and discrimination that cisgendered people face, including sexual harassment, sexual orientation discrimination, gender stereotyping and gender discrimination. Of course, transgender and gender non-binary people also face some unique challenges in the workplace. Other issues that transgender workers might encounter include:
- Unfair workloads
- Bad performance reviews that are unwarranted
- Dress code issues
- Restroom issues
- Harassment
- Physical requirements, particularly for police officers and firefighters
As of June 2020, you are protected against transgender discrimination under both state and federal regulations. You may also be protected under local laws. To start, New York’s Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) and the state’s human rights code collectively prohibit discrimination based on gender identity.
Additionally, in June of 2020 (Bostock v. Clayton County), the Supreme Court of the United States clarified that transgender discrimination is inherently a form of sex-based discrimination—meaning it is barred by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Finally, municipalities, including New York City, provide additional, stronger protections to transgender people.
Transgender Harassment in the Workplace: What You Should Know
Some people incorrectly assume that they are prevented from bringing a discrimination claim simply because they have not been fired or demoted. This is a misconception. State and federal regulations protect employees from harassment in the workplace. As defined by the EEOC, harassment occurs when a person has been made to feel unsafe or unwelcome because of severe or pervasive mistreatment based on a protected characteristic. The requirements for establishing a claim of harassment, or hostile work environment, are even less stringent if you work in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, or Staten Island.
Harassment of transgender workers can be quite severe, but you do not need to battle it alone. You have the right to work in an environment that is free of harassment. Our attorneys will take action to ensure that your right to a harassment-free workplace is respected. We will take forceful action to protect your rights. If you were a victim of harassment in the workplace based on your gender identity, our New York LGBTQ employment rights lawyers are standing by, ready to help.
Why Rely On Our Queens & Long Island Transgender Discrimination and Harassment Lawyers
Transgender discrimination claims are complex legal cases. Sadly, workplace protections for transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people have only recently been developed and enforced. At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., we are committed to fighting for fairness and equality in the workplace. Among other things, our New York transgender discrimination attorneys are prepared to:
- Listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your rights;
- Investigate the matter—gathering supporting evidence; and
- Take the proper legal action to get you justice and the best outcome.
You deserve fully personalized representation from an experienced employment discrimination attorney. We know that every case carries its own unique set of facts and circumstances—and we know that discrimination and harassment can come in many different forms. We are ready to take your case wherever it needs to go to protect your rights and get you results.
Call Our Transgender Discrimination and Harassment Lawyers in Queens and Long Island Today
At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our New York workplace discrimination lawyers have the skills and experience to represent transgender and gender-non conforming employees. We will protect your rights. If you have been harassed, passed over for a promotion or fired because you are transgender, contact our legal team Ricotta & Marks, P.C. Call 347-464-8694 to speak to one of our attorneys. From our offices in Queens and Long Island City, we serve clients throughout New York State.