Discrimination Decoded: Navigating the BS

Today we’re going to break down the types of discrimination we often face, our legal protections, and what to do when someone tries to rain on our rainbow parade.

Types of Discrimination: The Not-So-Fun Menu

1. Employment Discrimination

This can look like:

- Not getting hired because of your sexual orientation or gender presentation

- Being passed over for promotions

- Facing harassment or a hostile work environment

- Being fired for being queer

2. Housing Discrimination

Watch out for:

- Being denied a rental application

- Facing eviction when your landlord finds out you're queer

- Experiencing harassment from neighbors or property managers

3. Healthcare Discrimination

This might include:

- Being refused treatment

- Receiving subpar care due to prejudice

- Facing insensitive or ignorant comments from healthcare providers

4. Public Accommodations Discrimination

This can happen in places like:

- Restaurants refusing service

- Hotels denying bookings

- Businesses refusing to cater same-sex weddings

5. Education Discrimination

Keep an eye out for:

- Bullying or harassment in schools

- Exclusion from school activities

- Discriminatory policies (like bans on same-sex dates at proms)

6. Family Law Discrimination

This might involve:

- Challenges in adoption or fostering

- Custody battles where sexual orientation is unfairly considered

- Difficulties with legal recognition of same-sex partnerships

7. Intersectional Discrimination

Remember, discrimination can be compounded if you're also a person of color[JH1] , trans, gender non-conforming, disabled, or belong to other marginalized groups.

Legal Protections: Your Rainbow Shield

Now for some good news! There are laws to protect us:

1. Federal Protections

- The 2020 Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County extends workplace protections to LGBTQ+ individuals under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

- The Fair Housing Act, as interpreted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, protects against housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

2. State and Local Laws

Many states and cities have their own non-discrimination laws that explicitly protect LGBTQ+ individuals. Check out the Movement Advancement Project to get a detailed overview of legal protections (and lacks thereof) for LGBTQ+ people in your state.

3. Hate Crime Laws

The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act provides federal protections against crimes motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity.

When Discrimination Strikes: Your Action Plan

If you face discrimination, here's what to do:

1. Document Everything

- Keep a detailed record of what happened, including dates, times, and any witnesses.

- Save any relevant emails, texts, or other communications.

2. Know Your Rights

- Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws.

- Check if your employer or school has specific non-discrimination policies.

3. Report It

- If it's workplace discrimination, report it to HR or your supervisor (if they're not the problem).

- For housing discrimination, file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

- For other types of discrimination, look for relevant government agencies or civil rights offices.

4. Seek Support

- Reach out to LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations like Lambda Legal or the National Center for Lesbian Rights for guidance.

- Consider joining support groups to connect with others who've had similar experiences.

5. Consider Legal Action

- Consult with an LGBTQ+-friendly attorney to understand your options.

- Look into filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for workplace discrimination.

6. Take Care of Yourself

- Experiencing discrimination can be traumatic. Don't hesitate to seek mental health support.

- Lean on your queer community and allies for emotional support.

7. Educate and Advocate

- If it's safe to do so, consider using your experience to educate others and advocate for change.

- Support organizations working to expand and protect LGBTQ+ rights.

Remember, You're Not Alone

Facing discrimination can feel isolating, but remember: you're part of a strong, resilient community. We've faced challenges before, and we'll continue to fight for our rights and dignity. Your existence is valid, your love is beautiful, and you deserve respect and equal treatment in all areas of life. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! 🌈✊💖