Los Angeles Gender Discrimination Lawyers

Los Angeles Gender Discrimination Lawyers

If you are employed in Los Angeles, California and have suffered some form of gender discrimination at the workplace, you have a right to seek compensation from your employer. It is considered illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee on the basis of their gender in California.

Contact our gender discrimination attorneys for a free no risk consultation to discuss your Los Angeles gender discrimination claim. We are located in the heart of Los Angeles, and are conveniently available 24/7 via phone and email. Our aggressive workplace rights attorneys will take action immediately to make sure you receive compensation for your injuries. We understand that it could be very difficult to be discriminated against at work. Being discriminated against could cause severe trauma, especially if you are seeking another alternative job.

Our attorneys represent victims who have had their rights taken advantage of by their employers. Contact us today to discuss your gender discrimination claim.

According to the Pew Research Center survey, 4 out of 10 working women said that they experienced gender discrimination while at work. Women still earn about 84% of what men earn in 2020.

Understanding Gender Discrimination in Los Angeles

Gender discrimination, a significant issue in many workplaces, occurs when an employee is treated unfairly based on their gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. This form of discrimination can manifest in various ways, including hiring practices, promotions, pay disparities, and even termination. In a city as diverse as Los Angeles, gender discrimination remains a pressing issue affecting many workers across different industries.

What Is Gender Discrimination?

Gender discrimination refers to the unequal treatment of an individual due to their sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. This can range from overt actions like denying promotions to subtle biases that create a hostile work environment. For example, an employer may offer fewer opportunities to female employees or make inappropriate comments related to someone’s gender identity.

In California, laws have expanded to protect employees from discrimination based on gender expression and gender medical conditions. This means that individuals have the legal right to express their gender freely, including dressing or behaving in a way that aligns with their gender identity, without fear of discrimination or retaliation in the workplace.

California’s Protections Against Gender Discrimination

California stands out with robust anti-discrimination laws designed to safeguard employees. These include protections related to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and gender identity. For instance, the law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees dealing with pregnancy-related medical conditions. This might include pregnancy leave or regular breaks for breastfeeding, ensuring that the needs of all workers are respected.

If you’re an employee in Los Angeles facing gender discrimination, you’re protected under both California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and federal law, which makes it illegal for employers to discriminate based on sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

FAQs: Gender Discrimination in Los Angeles

1. What are examples of gender discrimination in the workplace?

Common examples include unequal pay for the same work, gender bias in promotions, harassment due to gender identity, or refusal to accommodate medical conditions such as pregnancy or breastfeeding.

2. How can I prove gender discrimination in my workplace?

Document any discriminatory actions, such as offensive comments or unequal treatment, and report them to HR or a supervisor. If the issue is unresolved, consider contacting an attorney or filing a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).

Statistics on Gender Discrimination in Los Angeles

Gender discrimination remains a pervasive issue, even with existing legal protections. According to a recent study, nearly 42% of women in the U.S. have reported experiencing gender discrimination in their careers. In Los Angeles, industries like entertainment, tech, and healthcare continue to show disparities in pay and treatment based on gender.

Gender Discrimination Examples in Los Angeles

Gender discrimination can take form in many different ways. Examples include:

• Sexual harassment
• Discriminatory verbal comments
• Demoting an employee
• Firing an employee
• Reducing the employee’s pay
• Reducing the employee’s hours
• Ignoring ideas of a specific gender
• Refusing to talk to employees that belong to a specific gender
• Having different genders take different responsibilities for the same position
• Forcing employees to quit their jobs
• Discriminatory social media posts
• Promoting an employee simply based on gender

When is Gender Discrimination Outlawed in Los Angeles?

Gender discrimination is a critical issue in many workplaces, and it is strictly prohibited in Los Angeles across various employment-related areas. But what exactly does the law cover? Here’s an in-depth look at when gender discrimination is outlawed and what it means for employees and employers in the city.

What is Gender Discrimination?

Gender discrimination occurs when an individual is treated unfairly based on their gender identity or sex. In Los Angeles, state and federal laws make it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or potential hires based on gender. This applies to all stages of employment, ensuring equal treatment regardless of one’s gender.

Where Gender Discrimination is Outlawed

The ban on gender discrimination in Los Angeles applies to various aspects of employment, including:

1. Hiring an Employee
   • Discrimination during the hiring process is illegal. Employers cannot favor or reject a candidate due to their gender.
2. Interviewing Potential Employees
   • Interview questions that target gender or gender-based stereotypes are prohibited. Employers must maintain a fair and unbiased interview process.
3. Promoting an Employee
   • Employers are required to evaluate promotions based on merit and job performance, not gender. Any bias during promotions could be grounds for legal action.
4. Compensation
   • The California Equal Pay Act ensures that men and women in similar roles receive equal pay. Any pay discrepancies based on gender are unlawful. Click here to read more on gender pay discrimination from NBC LA.
5. Work Benefits
   • Benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans must be distributed equally among employees, without regard to gender.
6. Assigning Responsibilities
   • Job responsibilities should be assigned based on the employee’s skills, qualifications, and experience—not gender.

Why Does This Matter?

Gender discrimination not only impacts individuals emotionally but also has long-term effects on careers, economic stability, and mental well-being. In California, gender discrimination cases can lead to severe legal consequences for businesses, including hefty fines and reputational damage. Employers must ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws, such as the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

What Are the Consequences for Employers?

Employers found guilty of gender discrimination may face lawsuits, financial penalties, and negative media attention. Recent cases in California have highlighted the growing awareness around this issue. For example, ABC7 reported on a major lawsuit involving gender discrimination in a prominent Los Angeles company, demonstrating the serious implications for non-compliance.

Q: What Should You Do if You Face Gender Discrimination?

If you believe you’ve experienced gender discrimination at work, it’s important to take action. Start by documenting the discriminatory behavior, including dates, times, and details of each incident. Next, report the issue to your Human Resources (HR) department. If your concerns are not addressed, you may consider filing a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Legal action could also be a route to pursue if the discrimination continues.

Q: How Prevalent is Gender Discrimination in the Workplace?

Gender discrimination remains a persistent issue in many industries. According to recent studies, women and gender minorities report experiencing gender-based bias in both hiring and promotional processes. Read this in-depth report from FOX11 to learn about a gender discrimination case in Southern California.

Transgender Discrimination Lawyer in Los Angeles

If you have been fired or demoted because you have communicated your desire to undergo a sex change, or you have worn clothing that specifically relates to your gender identity, you may have a claim against your employer for compensation. Transgender discrimination can take place in many forms. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act specifically provides protection to transgender employees who have suffered discrimination in the workplace. Contact our committed discrimination attorneys if you have been a victim of transgender discrimination.

Sexual Harassment in Los Angeles

Sexual harassment occurs when there are unwanted sexual advances made by the employer against an employee. If you have been a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, contact our employment law attorneys today to discuss your sexual harassment claims against your employer.

What type of compensation could I receive for my gender discrimination claim in Los Angeles?

There are a variety of different damages a plaintiff who is initiating the lawsuit could receive any gender discrimination claim. Examples of damages differ depending on the circumstances of the discrimination. Examples of compensation include:

• Back pay: you have the right to be awarded any past compensation that has been unfairly denied to you.
• Front pay: if you had to take off work due to the discriminatory incident, you may be able to receive damages for loss of future work hours.
• Emotional distress: this is payment for any type of emotional trauma suffered, such as pain and suffering, depression, and anxiety caused by the traumatic discriminatory experience.
• Punitive damages: this is a very rare form of compensation awarded by the courts in Los Angeles. Usually, courts need to be able to find some sort of wrongdoing and now it’s on behalf of the employer in order to award punitive damages to a plaintiff. To determine if punitive damages may apply in your case, contact our employment law attorneys in Los Angeles today

What should I do if I have been a victim of gender discrimination in Los Angeles?

If you believe you have been discriminated against by your employer, it is important to know what your legal rights are and the next necessary steps you should take. These steps include:

• Contact your Human Resources department immediately to report the discriminatory incident that occurred. It is important that you get into detail explaining the gender discrimination you suffered in the workplace, also providing names. The Human Resources department will treat your incident confidentially, and address your concerns.
• Contact an experienced Los Angeles gender attorney: if the Human Resources department has not been able to address your concerns, it is very important that you contact our top rated employment law attorneys immediately. It is important that you get into contact with an attorney that is knowledgeable about the different employment statutes in place that protect employees in Los Angeles, California.

Could my employer mandate a specific dress code?

According to the California Government Code Section 12949, If you are a transgender or a transitioning employee at work, you have the ability to choose the manner of clothing that best aligns with your identity. Your employer cannot decide what gender you need to dress as.

Can my employer deny me from using the bathroom?

Employers must allow bathroom access to employees that must align with the employee’s gender identity and expression. If your employer has denied you access to the bathroom that best aligns with your gender identity, contact our gender attorneys today.

Can my employer call me by the pronoun I choose?

Employers and co-workers should call an employee by their preferred pronoun that is appropriate to an employee’s gender identity. This goes for all employment-related purposes, such as emails and forms.