Workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal. If you’ve been treated unfairly because of your orientation, or because someone thought you were gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer, you don’t have to accept that conduct. California and federal laws give you the right to speak up, and our firm is committed to amplifying your voice.

Moon Law Group, PC, represents employees in complex, labor-intensive cases throughout Los Angeles and California. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars since 2007, including compensation for workers who faced mistreatment based on their sexual orientation. As one of the largest plaintiff’s employment law firms in California, we know how to hold employers accountable for their discriminatory behavior, whether your case involves a single claim or a class action affecting hundreds of people.

When you’re ready to assert your rights, reach out to Moon Law Group today to speak with a Los Angeles sexual orientation discrimination lawyer. Your case review is free and confidential, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.

How Can a Los Angeles Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer Help with My Case?

A Los Angeles sexual orientation discrimination attorney can help protect your rights and take action against your employer. Discrimination cases are often complex, and employers may deny wrongdoing or retaliate when you raise a complaint. Legal representation helps you navigate the process, avoid common pitfalls, and build a strong case that is designed to achieve results.

When you work with Moon Law Group, you get a team that can do the following:

  • Investigate your case and evaluate whether your employer’s conduct violates state or federal law
  • Help you gather and preserve important evidence, such as internal emails, text messages, witness statements, and complaint records
  • File the appropriate complaints with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
  • Negotiate directly with your employer or their legal team to seek fair compensation and workplace changes
  • Take your case to court if we can’t negotiate a fair outcome

Discrimination claims, especially those involving large companies or systemic practices, require extensive resources and legal skills. Moon Law Group has decades of experience handling complex workplace matters, including class actions involving widespread discrimination. Whether your case involves a single claim or systemic mistreatment, we’re ready to stand up for you and file a sexual orientation discrimination lawsuit.

Reach out today to schedule your free, no-obligation case review and discover how we can make a difference.

What Is Sexual Orientation Discrimination?

Sexual orientation discrimination happens when an employer treats someone unfairly because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation. This includes negative treatment based on whether a person is gay, lesbian, bisexual, heterosexual, or identifies with another orientation. It can also involve discrimination against someone because they associate with LGBTQ+ people, such as having a same-sex partner or supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

Discrimination can take many forms, including the following:

  • Harassment by co-workers or supervisors
  • Denied promotions or desirable assignments
  • Termination after coming out or disclosing a same-sex relationship

At other times, discrimination can be more subtle but is still unlawful. For example, there might be workplace policies that disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ workers or a hostile work environment where slurs, jokes, or inappropriate comments go unchecked. Even if your employer never directly states a reason, patterns of unfair treatment may support a legal claim.

You’re also protected if your employer makes incorrect assumptions about your orientation. If your boss or co-workers treat you differently based on who they think you are, you may still have a valid discrimination claim under the law.

What Are Typical Signs of Sexual Orientation Discrimination at Work?

Sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace can take many forms. Understanding the signs can help you recognize when your rights were violated. Common examples of sexual orientation discrimination at work include the following:

  • Derogatory comments, slurs, or jokes about LGBTQ+ people, even if they weren’t directed at you
  • Unequal pay, assignments, or opportunities for promotion compared to co-workers with similar qualifications
  • Exclusion from meetings or professional development opportunities based on perceived discomfort or bias
  • Denying spousal or partner benefits offered to heterosexual employees
  • Refusal to accommodate a name change, pronoun use, or partner recognition
  • Retaliation after reporting harassment or filing a complaint

In many cases, a hostile work environment develops over time through repeated jokes, mocking, or demeaning comments. This behavior doesn’t need to be physical to be unlawful; persistent verbal harassment can be enough to interfere with your ability to do your job or feel safe at work.

Even workplace policies that appear neutral can violate your rights. For instance, grooming or dress code rules that penalize gender nonconforming expression, or partner benefits tied only to opposite-sex relationships, may unfairly impact LGBTQ+ workers.

If you notice any of these signs, a Los Angeles sexual orientation discrimination lawyer from Moon Law Group can help you understand your rights and take appropriate action.

What Laws Protect Me from Workplace Sexual Orientation Discrimination?

Several federal and California laws make it illegal for your employer to treat you unfairly based on your actual or perceived sexual orientation.

At the federal level, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on sex. In Bostock v. Clayton County (2020), the U.S. Supreme Court held that this includes sexual orientation and gender identity. That means firing, demoting, or harassing someone because they are LGBTQ+ violates federal law.

In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) explicitly bans sexual orientation discrimination. It also applies to employers with five or more employees, making it broader than the protections under Title VII.

Both FEHA and Title VII require employers to take steps to prevent, investigate, and correct discriminatory behavior in the workplace. These laws protect you at every stage of employment, including the following:

  • Hiring and job interviews
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Promotions and training opportunities
  • Disciplinary decisions and termination
  • Daily working conditions, policies, and accommodations

If your employer fails to act or retaliates against you for speaking up, you may be able to hold them legally responsible. Reach out to Moon Law Group today for a free, confidential case review and to learn more about your employment rights.

Is Sexual Orientation a Protected Class?

Sexual orientation is a protected class under both federal and California law. That means your employer cannot legally harass you, treat you differently, or make any employment decisions based on your sexual orientation. These protections apply whether you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, heterosexual, or of another orientation. You’re also protected if your employer mistakenly perceives your orientation. Finally, you are protected if you experience unfair treatment because of your association with LGBTQ+ co-workers, friends, or family members.

What Damages Could I Recover in a Workplace Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawsuit?

Every case is different, so the types of damages you may receive could be different than other claims. Generally, damages are intended to compensate for the financial impact and emotional distress resulting from being treated unfairly at work. To that end, you could recover the following:

  • Lost wages and benefits, including back pay and the value of any raises, promotions, or benefits you were unfairly denied
  • Compensation for emotional distress and mental harm
  • Punitive damages, which are awarded when an employer’s actions are especially harmful or intentional
  • Attorneys’ fees and court costs
  • Changes to harmful company policies
  • New training protocols to prevent future discrimination
  • Job reinstatement to the same or a similar position

Sometimes, more than one employee has suffered discrimination at work. Collective action and class action claims can increase your leverage and encourage widespread structural reforms throughout the company. Moon Law Group has successfully handled class action and group claims for groups of employees facing similar workplace abuses. Contact us to find out whether your group qualifies.

How Can I Prove Sexual Orientation Discrimination at Work?

If you file a claim, you’ll need to present clear evidence that your employer treated you unfairly because of your orientation, or because of how others perceived your orientation or associations. The following explains how to prove a claim of sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace.

First, you must show the following:

  • You were harassed or treated unfairly because of your sexual orientation.
  • The discrimination was severe or widespread enough to affect your ability to do your job or feel safe at work.
  • People outside your protected class (typically heterosexual employees) were treated better under similar circumstances.
  • Your employer knew (or should have known) about the conduct and failed to take action.

Building a strong case often involves gathering different forms of proof. Your attorney will help you gather evidence, including the following:

  • Emails, text messages, or recorded comments
  • Records showing unequal treatment, such as denied promotions or similar opportunities
  • Statements from co-workers or witnesses who observed the behavior and can confirm a pattern of discrimination
  • Copies of formal complaints you made to HR or management, along with their responses (or lack thereof)

Moon Law Group can help uncover patterns of discrimination that employers try to hide. Our team knows how to preserve and present compelling evidence that can strengthen your case. Reach out today to learn more at a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Orientation Discrimination Claim?

The statute of limitations for filing a sexual orientation discrimination claim depends on where and how you pursue your case. In California, you generally have three years to file an administrative complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD).

If you’re pursuing a federal claim through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the deadline is typically 300 days from the date of the discriminatory act. Claims against public agencies have even shorter deadlines. You may have as little as six months to file a complaint, so it’s important to act as soon as possible. Missing these deadlines means you’ll lose your chance to take legal action.

Contact a Los Angeles Sexual Orientation Discrimination Attorney Today

If you’ve suffered discrimination at work based on your sexual orientation, you don’t have to accept it in silence. You have rights, and if your employer is engaging in illegal activity that goes against state and federal protections, you may seek financial compensation and other relief.  Moon Law Group represents employees throughout Los Angeles and California, with a proven track record of holding employers accountable for their discriminatory actions.

Contact Moon Law Group today to find out how we can help you seek justice and move forward. Your initial consultation is free and fully confidential.