Although America is considered a country of freedom, where everyone can express themselves as they want, for the LGBTQ+ community, the reality is not always so rosy. Laws provide some protection: same-sex marriage is legalized, discrimination in the workplace is prohibited, and some states have banned "conversion therapy." However, even with such achievements, many LGBTQ+ people continue to feel like strangers, especially in the work environment.
Discrimination is expressed in the refusal to hire based on sexual orientation and, more often, gender identity because it is immediately visible. It can also be illegal dismissal or bringing to dismissal, creating working conditions where a person can no longer normally exist in a team and writes a statement of his own free will. But if this happens, it is important not to tolerate and remain silent, especially since many resources and organizations are ready to help.
1. Legal Protection
If you have experienced discrimination at work because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, it is important to know that the law is on your side. There are laws in the United States that protect LGBTQ+ employees, and you can use these protections to defend your rights.
The key piece of legislation is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity falls under the category of discrimination "based on sex." This means employers cannot fire you, deny you a promotion, or create a hostile work environment because of your identity.
The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) plays an important role in protecting your rights. It is a government agency that monitors compliance with anti-discrimination laws. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you can file a complaint with the EEOC. You must do this within 180 days of the incident (or 300 days if your state has additional laws to protect employee rights).
When you experience discrimination, it’s important to start collecting evidence right away. Write down what happened: dates, details, names of witnesses. Keep emails, messages, and any documents that can back up your claims. These materials will form the basis of your complaint.
Report the problem to your company. Start with HR or your immediate manager. Many employers have internal procedures for handling such complaints. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, seek outside support.
Organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Lambda Legal provide free consultations and legal assistance for LGBTQ+ employees. You can also contact the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) to seek protection if your rights are violated. In addition to legal assistance, these organizations can advise you on the best course of action to minimize stress and keep your job.
2. LGBTQ+ Advocacy Organizations
When facing discrimination at work, it can be hard to know where to start. But you don't have to figure it out on your own. Many organizations in the United States specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ people:
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
HRC is one of the largest organizations that supports LGBTQ+ people. Not only does it fight for equal rights, but it also provides practical help. On the HRC website, you'll find a guide to employee rights, as well as tips on how to act in case of discrimination.
Lambda Legal
This is a non-profit organization that specializes in protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV. They provide free consultations, legal assistance, and resources. If your case requires legal intervention, Lambda Legal can represent you.
The Trevor Project
Their main goal is to prevent crises and suicides among LGBTQ+ youth. But they also offer free consultations and support. The Trevor Project can help you cope with anxiety and stress caused by discrimination.
ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)
The ACLU protects the rights of LGBTQ+ employees and handles lawsuits related to discrimination. Its website has useful resources on LGBTQ+ rights at work and instructions on filing complaints.
Out & Equal
This organization works to ensure that companies create inclusive workplaces. It trains employers on how to prevent discrimination and offers resources for employees who have encountered problems.
These organizations offer help at different levels: from consultations to representation in court. It is important to remember that support is available, and you do not have to deal with discrimination alone.
3. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Support within the company can combat discrimination. Networking groups for LGBTQ+ employees allow for open discussion of issues and sharing experiences. Regular meetings during which useful information and practical advice can be shared can also help combat bullying.
In addition, groups help improve the work culture through training and seminars. They raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. This contributes to the creation of a respectful and open workspace.
If there is no LGBTQ+ group in the company, you can initiate its creation. Find like-minded people, discuss the idea with HR, and suggest a format for meetings. The group should focus on support, not conflicts.
4. HR & Internal Company Resources
If you have experienced discrimination at work, the first step should be to contact your Human Resources (HR) department. HR is not just the company’s administrators, but also the specialists responsible for ensuring that employees’ labor rights are respected, including protection against discrimination. Their main job is to ensure a fair and safe workplace for everyone.
Contacting HR has several important advantages. First, it formally records the problem. A documented complaint will be strong evidence if the situation requires further action. Second, large company HR departments must comply with anti-discrimination laws and may offer solutions you are not aware of, such as employee training or access to internal support programs.
Before filing a complaint, have all the necessary facts ready. Write down exactly what happened, including dates, times, actions, or words you consider discriminatory. If there are witnesses, include their names. Filing a complaint in writing via email or internal company systems is important to document your complaint. Be sure to keep copies of all documents, including HR responses.
Once a complaint is received, HR is required to conduct an investigation. This typically involves interviewing you, witnesses, and those suspected of wrongdoing. The outcome may be a warning to the offender or more serious action if discrimination is confirmed. In either case, you should be notified of the outcome.
If you are faced with HR not taking action or trying to cover up the issue, consider raising your concerns with higher management. If that fails, your next steps may include filing a complaint with an outside organization, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These organizations are specifically dedicated to protecting workers' rights.
5. Online Communities and Support Groups
Online communities for LGBTQ+ employees are safe spaces to connect. They allow people to share experiences, get advice, and discuss workplace discrimination issues.
You can find such communities on platforms such as:
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Reddit has subreddits such as r/lgbt and r/asktransgender, where users share personal experiences. They can also provide advice on legal issues.
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Facebook also offers closed groups where you can discuss difficulties.
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Discord allows for real-time communication. There, you can get direct support from people who have been in your shoes.
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MyLGBT+ is a specialized community that offers work, health, and rights resources.
The advantage of communities is that they are anonymous. In addition, you can get help at any time. They can share information about how similar issues were resolved and what steps they took to protect their rights. Some communities organize webinars and share useful articles that will help you better understand your rights.
6. LGBTQ+ Counseling and Mental Health Services
Discrimination in the workplace can seriously undermine mental health. Constant stress, anxiety, and a sense of injustice often lead to emotional burnout. To maintain inner balance, it is important to pay attention to your experiences in time and use available resources.
The first step is to recognize your emotions. You have the right to feel hurt, angry, or confused. Such feelings are completely natural in a situation of injustice. Try to be honest with yourself: identify what emotions you are experiencing and do not suppress them.
If you feel it is difficult to cope with the situation alone, consider professional help. In the United States, some organizations specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ people. For example, The Trevor Project offers free counseling for young people, and the LGBT National Help Center provides confidential resources and support. Many employers also offer employee assistance programs (EAP), where you can get several free or discounted sessions with a therapist.
Do not underestimate the power of communication. Find support in your community, such as a support group or LGBTQ+ events. Talking to people who have faced similar challenges can help you cope with loneliness and give you practical advice.
It’s also important to regularly devote time to self-care. Physical activity, such as sports or yoga, helps reduce stress. Meditation and breathing exercises restore inner balance. Find a hobby that brings you joy and inspiration – this will be an important source of energy and positivity.
And most importantly – don’t blame yourself. Discrimination is a social problem, not your personal fault. Remember that you deserve respect and support no matter who you are or who you love.
7. Government & Regulatory Bodies
It is important to know what to do if you are discriminated against and where to get help. The right actions will help you cope with the current situation and prevent it from happening again.
The first step when faced with injustice is to seek support. Hotlines offer not only emotional support, but also useful recommendations. Here are some of them:
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The Trevor Project: Support for LGBTQ+ youth (up to 24 years old), a 24-hour hotline. Phone: 1-866-488-7386.
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LGBT National Help Center: Confidential support line for all ages. Phone: 1-888-843-4564.
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Trans Lifeline: Helpline for transgender people. Phone: 1-877-565-8860.
If you want to seek protection of your rights through legal mechanisms, contact legal organizations. The EEOC is a federal agency that investigates discrimination charges. Contact them at 1-800-669-4000, or file a complaint online at. Lambda Legal offers free legal assistance and consultations, while the American Civil Liberties Union, or ACLU, is an organization that helps protect civil rights; it files lawsuits on behalf of its members.
Before seeking help, it is important to prepare:
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Document evidence: record dates, times, events, and names of witnesses.
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Formulate questions: decide what outcome you want - legal protection, consultation, or emotional support.
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Monitor the development of the case: follow the recommendations of specialists and maintain contact with the organization.
8. Workplace Diversity & Inclusion Consultancies
If you are experiencing discrimination at work, it is important to know that there are professionals who can help. Diversity and inclusion consultants support employees and employers by creating a safe and respectful work environment.
They help companies develop a culture of equality and inclusion. They conduct training for staff, teaching the importance of respect for differences. Consultants also analyze the corporate climate, identify problems, and offer solutions. They develop strategies for creating a safe environment, including for LGBTQ+ employees.
If you face difficulties at work, a consultant can help you understand the situation. They will ensure confidentiality, suggest steps to resolve the problem and mediate in negotiations with the employer if necessary.
You can locate a consultant through professional associations such as SHRM or the National Diversity Council. You may also inquire from colleagues who have gone through similar challenges or look up specialists on LinkedIn.
9. LGBTQ+ Friendly Employers
LGBTQ+ employees want to work for a company that accepts and values them. Many companies have such an inclusive environment, and to get a job at such a company, attention should be paid to the following information:
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the company must have clear anti-corruption policies that protect employees from discrimination;
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the company must actively work with trainings, events, and initiatives aimed at raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues;
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employees must be able to change their gender in company documents;
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the company must participate in charity events and support LGBTQ+ events, such as pride parades.
Such employers can be found according to ratings, such as the Human Rights Campaign's rating of "Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality." Employee reviews on Glassdoor and similar resources will also help.
It is worth asking at an interview about how the company maintains an inclusive environment, what the employer does for transgender employees, and how it responds to discrimination.
10. Media and Educational Resources
Learning about LGBTQ+ issues is a great way to fight discrimination. It's great to learn more about the issues through books, podcasts, and documentaries.
Queer: A Graphic History" provides a clear and simple introduction to the history of the LGBTQ+ movement, which helps to understand its main issues. "The Gendered Society" by Michael Kimmel examines how gender roles and stereotypes impact careers and relationships. "This Book Is Gay" by Juno Dawson allows an honest and engaging look into the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in a way that helps both its community members and those who want to better understand them.
Podcasts are a good way to know more about inclusivity. "LGBTQ&A" features interviews with LGBTQ+ individuals wherein they can share their own stories. "The Read" discusses current and social issues within the LGBTQ+ community.
Documentaries are also amazing tools for raising awareness. "Disclosure" looks into how society's view towards LGBTQ+ people is shaped by portraying LGBTQ+ characters in movies and TV series. "The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson" narrates the life story of a transgender activist who was key in the LGBTQ+ movement, inspiring others to fight for rights and equality. "Paris Is Burning" pointedly unveils the ballroom culture of the 1980s and shows that LGBTQ+, and above all, transgender women, actually fought for their right to live with dignity.
