Sexual orientation discrimination happens when an employee is treated unfairly because they are gay, lesbian, or bisexual, or are perceived to be. Gender identity discrimination happens when someone is mistreated for being transgender, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming. It can be overt or subtle, and both forms are unlawful in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. What it looks like in practice: harassment or bullying over sexuality or gender identity, being fired or not hired, denial of promotions or benefits, misgendering and refusal to use preferred pronouns, hostile jokes, slurs, or graffiti, and retaliation for reporting any of it.
Lead attorney on every case we take, backed by a dedicated legal team you work with directly.
Three bodies of law protect you. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as the U.S. Supreme Court interpreted it in Bostock v. Clayton County. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, which covers LGBTQ+ status. And the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, which explicitly protects sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. These laws reach hiring, firing, compensation, promotions, working conditions, and harassment, and they bar an employer from retaliating against you for reporting discrimination.
If this is happening to you, document it. Save texts, emails, screenshots, and notes from witnesses. Report internally in writing to HR or management, and request accommodations if you need them. Then speak with an attorney, because legal deadlines run and a case is evaluated confidentially. Depending on the facts, recoverable damages may include back pay and lost income, front pay or reinstatement, emotional distress damages, punitive damages where the misconduct was willful, and attorney's fees and costs. Coming forward is not easy. Use the confidential form on our Contact page to reach us. All consultations are confidential and judgment-free.
Representing LGBTQ+ Employees Facing Sexual Orientation Discrimination in the Workplace in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression has no place in the workplace. Freundlich & Littman, LLC represents employees throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey who have experienced unlawful treatment on the job.
Our employment attorneys handle cases involving workplace harassment, wrongful termination, demotion, retaliation, and hostile work environments affecting LGBTQ+ employees. We understand the challenges that can arise in discriminatory or hostile workplaces and work to hold employers accountable when employee rights are violated.
If you believe you were treated unfairly at work because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, you may have legal options available. Our firm evaluates each matter carefully and provides guidance based on the specific facts and circumstances of the case.
Sexual orientation discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or perceived to be. Gender identity discrimination occurs when someone is mistreated for being transgender, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming. Discrimination can be subtle or overt, and both forms are illegal in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Examples of workplace discrimination include:
Harassment or bullying based on sexuality or gender identity
Firing or refusing to hire someone for being LGBTQ+
Denial of promotions or job benefits
Misgendering or refusal to use preferred pronouns
Hostile jokes, slurs, or graffiti
Retaliation for reporting discrimination or asserting rights
Legal Protections for LGBTQ+ Workers
Your right to be free from sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination is protected by:
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court in Bostock v. Clayton County )
Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) – Covers LGBTQ+ status
New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) – Explicitly protects sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression
These laws apply to hiring, firing, compensation, promotions, work conditions, and harassment. Employers are also barred from retaliating if you report discrimination. Free consultations available.
Real-Life Examples of LGBTQ+ Workplace Discrimination
A gay employee is repeatedly called slurs and excluded from team projects
A transgender woman is denied access to the women’s restroom
A nonbinary employee is required to wear gender-specific uniforms
A lesbian worker is fired after revealing her sexual orientation
An employee is outed by HR without consent, leading to workplace hostility
These are not just personal injustices, they are legal violations.
What To Do If You’re Facing Sexual Orientation Discrimination
Document Incidents – Save texts, emails, screenshots, and notes from witnesses.
Report Internally – Notify HR or management in writing and request accommodations if needed.
Speak to an Attorney – We can evaluate your case confidentially and help you act quickly within legal deadlines.
Our Firm’s Commitment to LGBTQ+ Employees' Rights
At Freundlich & Littman, we’ve successfully represented clients across the LGBTQ+ spectrum in both public and private workplaces. Our legal team has handled:
High-profile gender identity and sexual orientation cases
Transgender bathroom access and dress code litigation
Harassment and wrongful termination claims
Hostile work environment and retaliation lawsuits
We approach every case with respect, discretion, and deep commitment to equality. We know the law - and we know how to win.
Compensation in Sexual Orientation Discrimination Cases
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be eligible to recover:
Back pay and lost income
Front pay or job reinstatement
Emotional distress damages
Punitive damages in cases of willful misconduct
Attorney’s fees and court costs
Speak With a Lawyer Who Supports and Fights for You
If you’ve been mistreated at work because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, reach out today. All consultations are confidential and judgment-free.
📞 Call Now: 215-545-8500 📨 Info@FandLLaw.com
Serving Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Trenton, Cherry Hill, Camden, and LGBTQ+ communities across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
