Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Though society has rapidly changed for the better for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, discrimination and prejudice still exist. Fortunately, the state of Connecticut has stayed ahead of the curve, with legal protections for LGBT people. If you are LGBT, or your employer believes you are, you have a right to be who you are at work, and have legal recourse if you are treated differently.

Connecticut Lawyer for LGBT Discrimination

If you have been fired or let go from your job after coming out, or have been treated differently because of your sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, the Hartford LGBT employment discrimination lawyers at Hayber, McKenna & Dinsmore can fight for justice for you. We are experienced employment lawyers who are passionate in the fight against bigotry and homophobia. Contact us today on our online form and describe your circumstances so we can take a look at your case.

We are proud to represent LGBT victims of discrimination throughout Connecticut, including in Milford, Bridgeport, New Haven and Stamford. We are based in Hartford.

Legal Employment Protection for LGBT People in Connecticut

Currently, there is no federal law protecting employees against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. However, in 1991, Connecticut became one of the first states to pass laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation. In 2011, gender identity or expression became added protections, as well.

The law makes it illegal for any employer to either refuse to hire or to fire a person based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. It is also illegal to discrimination in pay or in terms of employment.

Protection After Coming Out in Hartford

Wrongful termination can be an issue of particular significance to the LGBT community, because an employer may not realize a person’s sexual orientation or that the person is transgender when the person is hired. However, in Connecticut, people should legally be able to be who they are at work, and the employer may not discriminate.

If you come out as an LGBT person, or if your employer discovers you are and treats you differently, it is important to note the changes in behavior and any disparate treatment you are subjected to. If you come out and your performance reviews suddenly drop or you are immediately fired, you may have a very strong case for discrimination.  Your Hartford employment discrimination lawyer can review your case for signs of discrimination.

Perceived Sexual Orientation under Connecticut Law

You may not even identify as a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender person. However, if your employer labels you as LGBT and treats you differently, you are protected under Connecticut law. The law protects not just against people who are LGBT, but also people who are perceived as LGBT.

In the same way, your employer may not discriminate against you for not conforming to certain gender roles or behavior. For instance, if you are treated differently than other women because you dress in what some consider a more masculine way, you may have a case for discrimination.

HIV and Discrimination

HIV/AIDS is a health issue that affects every segment of society. It disproportionately affects certain segments of the LGBT community. There are still many people who have an irrational fear of HIV due to a lack of understanding of how it is transmitted. This can lead to a fear of people who have HIV, and, sometimes, of LGBT people in general.

The Americans with Disabilities Act protects people with HIV from job discrimination. If you are treated differently after disclosing to anyone you are HIV+, you may have a case for discrimination. Additionally, you may have a case if you are discriminated against because your employer thought LGBT people are likely to have HIV.

Hayber, McKenna & Dinsmore | Hartford LGBT Discrimination Attorney

Connecticut law does not tolerate employment discrimination against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender community. At Hayber, McKenna & Dinsmore, our Hartford LGBT employment discrimination lawyers are proud to fight prejudice in employment law. If you’ve been a victim of anti-LGBT workplace discrimination, contact us today by filling out our online form.