Are Transgender Employees Protected in California?

California anti-discrimination laws cover a broader group of employees than federal equivalents like Title VII and the ADA. California law protects employees from discrimination because of their gender identity or gender expression.

Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), an employer must allow any employee, transgender or otherwise, “to appear or dress consistently with the employee’s gender identity or gender expression.” It defines “gender” to include a “person’s gender identity and gender expression.” “Gender expression” means “a person’s gender-related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth.”

Contact our firm if you believe your employer discriminated against you because of your gender identity or expression, or your non-conformity with gender stereotypes.