Workplace Discrimination Support
LGBTQ+ youths are more likely to experience workplace discrimination than any other group. In fact, up to half of LGBTQ+ employees have reported experiencing discrimination in the workplace. If you are an LGBTQ+ worker and experiencing discrimination, what can you do? Here are a few steps that you can take:
Steps LGBTQ+ Workers Can Take if they are Experiencing Discrimination in the Workplace
LGBTQ+ employees who are being harassed or discriminated against by their employer or in the workplace should be aware that they do not have to continue being victims at work. Even if you are not aware of it, you are protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Despite the actual wording of Title VII, which states that employers may not treat people differently based on their race, sex, religion, or birthplace, the Supreme Court has ruled that gender identity and sexual orientation fall under the provisions in Title VII. As a result, LGBTQ+ employees who are harassed or discriminated against in the workplace can seek protection and recourse through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a governmental body that enforces the Civil Rights Act and investigates firms that break it. The EEOC operates in all 50 states. They also have a work share agreement with authorities in 44 states to share copies of any complaints submitted against companies in that state. So, if you live in one of those states and submit a complaint to the EEOC, they will send your complaint to the state labor board so they can also investigate your employer to see if any state laws were broken.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a governmental body that enforces the Civil Rights Act and investigates firms that break it. The EEOC operates in all 50 states. They also have a work share agreement with authorities in 44 states to share copies of any complaints submitted against companies in that state. So, if you live in one of those states and submit a complaint to the EEOC, they will send your complaint to the state labor board so that the state can also investigate your employer to see if any state laws were broken.
Examples Of Workplace Discrimination
There are many examples of workplace discrimination against LGBTQ employees. One example is if an employee is harassed by their coworkers because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This type of harassment can include name-calling, threats, and physical violence. There are many other ways that LGBQ+ people are harassed and discriminated against at work, including:
Not Getting Raises Or Promotions
If you were denied a scheduled raise or a promotion, that could be discrimination.
Offensive Comments And Harassment
Slurs, offensive comments, questions, imagery, or anything that promotes stereotypes or derogatory words or images are all harassment and discrimination.
Getting Hours Cut
If your hours were cut or your shift was changed after you came out as LGBTQI+, that's discrimination.
Misgendering you on purpose
If your coworkers or bosses refuse to use your pronouns or your chosen name, that's discrimination.
Filing A Workplace Discrimination Claim
The best way to protect yourself in an unsafe work environment is to gather data and proof of discrimination. Anytime you are a victim of harassment or discrimination, you should write down the date and time, what happened, and who was involved. Keep an ongoing list of the experiences that are happening to you. Send a copy of that list and any proof or supporting documentation that you have to your boss and HR and demand that they stop the harassment and discrimination occurring. If they don't immediately start enforcing anti-harassment policies or trying other ways to create a safe and non-toxic work environment. In that case, you should go to the EEOC's website and file a complaint against your employer.
Penalties For Harassment And Discrimination
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is an agency of the US Department of Labor dedicated to eliminating employment discrimination. The Civil Rights Act is a federal law that prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. The EEOC takes civil rights violations seriously, and hefty fines may be imposed on organizations that violate the Civil Rights Act. Your employer could face fines of $10,000 or more if you were denied a promotion or pay raise. You might be eligible for a lump-sum payment for back wages if you were not promoted or given a raise. You may also be entitled to a lump-sum compensation for physical and mental suffering or anguish as a result of your employer's misconduct.
Resources:
If you are looking for additional resources, ALSO Youth is here to help. ALSO Youth is an LGBTQ+ youth center in Tampa, Florida, that provides support and resources for LGBTQ+ youths. If you need workplace discrimination support, ALSO Youth can help. ALSO Youth provides LGBTQ+ youths with a safe space to be themselves and resources and support to navigate their way through the world. For more information on ALSO Youth, contact us today or navigate to these additional resources for information and support:
https://www.employmentlawhelp.org/discrimination/gender/understanding-gender-identity-discrimination
https://www.eeoc.gov/
https://gceo.georgia.gov/complaints/employment-complaint-form
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS WHO MADE THIS POSSIBLE!
Subscribe to our newsletter
to stay up-to-date with events & more!