FEHA protects employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
Protected conduct includes discriminatory hiring and termination, harassment based on actual or perceived orientation, misgendering and harassment of transgender employees, denial of access to facilities consistent with gender identity, denial of equal benefits, and retaliation against employees who complain. Even in situations in which you think people are just joking about your sexual orientation, this may not be acceptable.
California also requires employers to use employees’ preferred names and pronouns in most circumstances. Available remedies include lost wages and benefits, emotional distress damages, attorneys’ fees, and punitive damages where appropriate.
If you believe you have been discriminated against or harassed because of your sexual orientation, contact us immediately.