LGBTQ+ Discrimination Lawyer in Davis
Davis attorney defending LGBTQ+ employees from harassment, bias, and wrongful termination.
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Davis is a progressive university town home to UC Davis, agriculture, healthcare, and technology. Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Davis face workplace discrimination every day based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Setareh Law Group has represented California employees for over 25 years, holding employers accountable when they violate the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) by discriminating against LGBTQ+ workers.
If your employer has fired you, harassed you, denied you promotions, or treated you unfairly because of your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, you have legal rights. This page explains how LGBTQ+ discrimination claims work in Davis, what deadlines apply, and how Setareh Law Group can help you fight for justice.
Key Information for LGBTQ+ Workers in Davis
- Most common LGBTQ+ discrimination claims in Davis: harassment of transgender employees, denial of bathroom access, and termination after coming out.
- Where cases are filed: Yolo County Superior Court 1000 Main St, Woodland, CA 95695 (serving Davis residents).
- Statute of limitations for FEHA claims: Three years to file with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) under California Government Code § 12960.
Our Office Location Serving Davis Remotely
Our law office is located in Beverly Hills at 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, approximately 370 miles from Davis. We represent Davis workers through phone, video conferencing, and in‑person meetings at the Yolo County Superior Court or by appointment. We serve all of California from this single physical office.
Firm Background at a Glance
Setareh Law Group is an employment law firm founded in 1999 by Chaim Shaun Setareh (California Bar Number 204514), headquartered at 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, representing employees throughout California in LGBTQ+ discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and other employment cases. You can verify his bar status through the State Bar of California attorney search.
Major Employers in Davis
Employer | Industry | Davis Area Employees |
UC Davis | Education / Research | 25,000+ |
UC Davis Health | Healthcare | 15,000+ |
Davis Joint Unified School District | Education | 1,200+ |
City of Davis | Government | 500+ |
Agilent Technologies | Technology | 1,000+ |
Understanding LGBTQ+ Discrimination Under California Law
LGBTQ+ discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfavorably because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Under FEHA, these are protected characteristics. The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) enforces FEHA, and the landmark Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court decision confirmed that LGBTQ+ discrimination is also prohibited under federal Title VII.
Sexual orientation discrimination
Discrimination based on being gay, lesbian, bisexual, heterosexual, or any other sexual orientation. Employers cannot treat employees differently because of who they love or are attracted to. The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) provides data on sexual orientation discrimination nationwide.
Gender identity and gender expression discrimination
Discrimination based on being transgender, non binary, or gender nonconforming. This includes discrimination based on transitioning, presenting as a different gender, or not conforming to gender stereotypes.
What the law prohibits
- Refusing to hire qualified LGBTQ+ applicants
- Terminating employees after they come out or transition
- Denying promotions or training opportunities
- Harassing employees based on sexual orientation or gender identity
- Denying bathroom or locker room access consistent with gender identity
- Refusing to use correct pronouns or preferred names
- Retaliating against employees who complain about discrimination
An LGBTQ+ discrimination lawyer in Davis can help you understand whether your situation qualifies as illegal discrimination. For more information, see our LGBTQ+ discrimination at work in California and employment discrimination attorney pages.
Who Is Part of the LGBTQ+ Community?
Under California law, discrimination protections extend to all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Protected groups include
- Lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals of any sexual orientation
- Transgender individuals including those who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived as transgender
- Non binary and gender nonconforming individuals
- Intersex individuals
- Queer and questioning individuals
- Anyone perceived as LGBTQ+ regardless of their actual identity
- Anyone associated with an LGBTQ+ person
An LGBTQ+ discrimination lawyer in Davis can help you understand how the law applies to your specific situation.
What Are Examples of LGBTQ+ Discrimination at Work?
LGBTQ+ discrimination can take many forms in the workplace. Recognizing these examples can help you identify discrimination.
Harassment based on sexual orientation
Coworkers make offensive jokes about gay people. A supervisor repeatedly uses anti gay slurs. The employer knows about the harassment but does nothing to stop it. This creates a hostile work environment.
Harassment based on gender identity
Coworkers refuse to use a transgender employee’s correct pronouns. A supervisor makes comments about the employee’s appearance or transition. The employee is excluded from workplace social events.
Termination after coming out
An employee comes out as gay to coworkers. Shortly after, the employer terminates the employee claiming performance issues. The employee had positive reviews before coming out. This is discrimination.
Denial of bathroom access
A transgender employee is told they cannot use the bathroom that matches their gender identity. The employer requires them to use a single stall bathroom far from their workspace. This is discrimination under FEHA.
An LGBTQ+ discrimination lawyer in Davis can help you determine what type of discrimination you have experienced.
Retaliation for Reporting LGBTQ+ Discrimination Is Illegal
Many LGBTQ+ workers fear that reporting discrimination will cost them their jobs. California law protects you from retaliation.
Under Government Code Section 12940(h), your employer cannot fire, demote, harass, or retaliate against you for reporting discrimination, participating in an investigation, or filing a claim.
Protected activities include
- Reporting discrimination to HR or a supervisor
- Filing a complaint with the CRD or EEOC
- Participating as a witness in a discrimination investigation
- Asking about workplace protections for LGBTQ+ employees
- Supporting another employee who reported discrimination
If your employer retaliates against you, you have a separate retaliation claim. See our retaliation after filing a complaint and workplace retaliation lawyer pages
Statute of Limitations for LGBTQ+ Discrimination Claims
LGBTQ+ discrimination claims have strict deadlines. Missing your deadline permanently bars you from suing your employer.
Deadlines for discrimination claims
- FEHA claim with the CRD: 3 years from the discriminatory act under Government Code Section 12960
- Lawsuit after right to sue notice: 1 year from the date the CRD issues a right to sue notice
- Federal Title VII claim: 300 days to file with the EEOC
Do not wait to contact an LGBTQ+ discrimination lawyer in Davis . Evidence disappears and deadlines pass quickly. Learn more about the wrongful termination statute of limitations for related claims.
What Remedies Are Available to Victims of LGBTQ+ Discrimination?
California law allows LGBTQ+ discrimination victims to recover significant damages.
Types of compensation available
- Lost wages and benefits including all wages, bonuses, health insurance, and retirement contributions
- Front pay for future lost wages
- Emotional distress damages for anxiety, depression, humiliation, and loss of sleep
- Punitive damages to punish your employer for malicious conduct
- Attorney fees and court costs which your employer pays if you win
- Reinstatement to your former position
- Injunctive relief requiring your employer to change discriminatory policies
Setareh Law Group has recovered over one billion dollars for California workers. See our wrongful termination settlements in California page.
Local Resources for LGBTQ+ Discrimination in Davis
Fact 1 The Yolo County Superior Court at 1000 Main St, Woodland, CA 95695 handles civil employment cases for Davis residents. The courthouse is located approximately 10 miles from Davis.
Fact 2 The nearest DLSE Labor Commissioner office for Davis workers is located at 3321 Power Inn Rd, Suite 220, Sacramento, CA 95826. This office investigates retaliation complaints and wage claims. You can also file a California labor board complaint .
Fact 3 UC Davis has one of the largest LGBTQ+ employee populations in the Central Valley. The university has a Gender and Sexuality Commission that addresses workplace discrimination concerns.
Why Choose Setareh Law Group for Your Davis LGBTQ+ Case
- Over one billion dollars recovered for California workers since 1999, including LGBTQ+ discrimination, harassment, and retaliation cases.
- 25 plus years of employment law experience. Founding attorney Chaim Shaun Setareh (Bar Number 204514) has practiced exclusively in employment law since 1999.
- Recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and CAALA.
- Licensed in all California federal courts, including the Eastern District of California which covers Davis.
- Spanish speaking staff available. Hablamos Español.
- Contingency fee means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win or settle your case.
Areas We Serve Across California
Counties: Los Angeles | Orange County | San Diego | Riverside | San Bernardino | Ventura | Santa Barbara | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Sacramento | San Joaquin | Fresno | Kern | Stanislaus | Tulare | Monterey | Santa Clara | and every other county in the state.
Cities: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena, Irvine, Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fremont, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Stockton, and hundreds more.
FAQ's: LGBTQ+ Discrimination in Davis
What is LGBTQ+ discrimination in the workplace?
Treating an employee unfavorably because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This includes harassment, termination, denial of promotions, and denial of bathroom access.
What laws protect LGBTQ+ employees in California?
FEHA explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Title VII also protects LGBTQ+ employees under the Bostock decision.
What should I do if I am being discriminated against because of my LGBTQ+ status?
Document everything, save evidence, report to HR in writing, and contact an LGBTQ+ discrimination lawyer in Davis for a free consultation.
Can my employer refuse to use my correct pronouns?
Refusing to use correct pronouns for a transgender employee can create a hostile work environment and may be discrimination under FEHA.
Can my employer deny me bathroom access based on my gender identity?
No. California law requires employers to allow employees to use bathrooms consistent with their gender identity.
Can I be fired for coming out as gay at work?
No. Firing an employee for coming out is discrimination based on sexual orientation and is illegal under FEHA.
How long do I have to file an LGBTQ+ discrimination claim in California?
Three years from the discriminatory act under Government Code Section 12960.
Can my employer retaliate against me for reporting LGBTQ+ discrimination?
No. Retaliation for reporting discrimination is illegal under Government Code Section 12940(h).
Does Setareh Law Group meet clients in Davis?
Yes. By phone, video, or in person at the Yolo County Superior Court or by appointment.
Take the Next Step
Contact us today:
📞 Phone: 310-888-7771
✉️ Email: help@setarehlaw.com
🌐 Address: 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills CA, 90210
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Consult with a qualified California employment attorney to discuss your individual situation.
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