Fort Lauderdale LGBT Rights Attorney
Fighting Against LGBT Workplace Discrimination in South Florida
Currently, federal law does not explicitly protect LGBT workers from workplace discrimination based on gender identification. Furthermore, many states also have not established explicit laws of this nature based on sexual orientation/gender identity in the areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Florida happens to be one of those without statewide protections. However, several Florida cities and counties, such as Miami Beach, Dade County, and Broward County have ordinances offering some protections for gays and lesbians. In addition, as a member of the LGBT community you may have rights under one of the other protected categories, such as gender, if you face discrimination at work.
In the case of sexual harassment, same-sex predators are outlaws just as much as are straight sexual harassers. At The Amlong Firm, we understand LGBT rights. Karen Coolman Amlong was an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) cooperating lawyer in a case that sought to overturn Florida's ban on gay and lesbian adoptions.
Visit our testimonials page to see what our clients have to say about working with our team.
Facing workplace discrimination as a LGBT individual? Contact us at (954) 953-5490 for an initial evaluation concerning your case today.
Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity in the Workplace
Obviously, your sexual orientation or gender identity should not be a point of discrimination when it comes to hiring you, treating you fairly, or firing you in the workplace. Anyone’s ability to perform a job generally has nothing to do with whether they identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
Yet discrimination of this kind occurs throughout the country. According to some research estimates, the number of LGBT workers is estimated to be 4.5 percent of our population which translates to 11 million people of which 88 percent are employed.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At The Amlong Firm, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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“Her strategy and control of the process resulted in a fair settlement without having to go through a trial by jury.”Jane (Age Discrimination)
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“Ms. Amlong took the time to fully understand all the complexities involved and provide an analysis, from a legal perspective, as to what was happening, provide realistic expectations as to what could be done and an estimate timeline to resolution.”Former Client (Gender and National Origin Discrimination)
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“For 20+ years I was the CEO of a nonprofit organization which forced retirement on me in a sudden and abrupt manner. I turned to Ms. Amlong hoping not only to get a fair settlement, but also to retain my dignity and reputation.”Former Client (Age Discrimination)
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Ms. Amlong represented me as a 16b officer in a public company in a labor and harassment suit against my former employer. We were up against a giant with a powerful NY law firm across the table. Her experience and expertise allowed her overlook their intimidation and shame tactics and as a result, she was able to keep me calm and focussed on what was important versus reacting emotionally to their nonsense. While the matter was resolved under confidential terms, I was extremely pleased with Karen's strategy and results from same. I would highly recommend her.Vickie A.
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“I decided to take action against the sexual harassment, hostile working environment, and retaliation that I faced while working as a firefighter. They were very transparent on how tough and long this process could take when attempting to go against a City.”Melissa (Sexual Harassment, Gender Discrimination, Retaliation)
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“The team cares about integrity and the truth. The team fights for what's right and fights within the confines of the law. They are 'by the book' even when the other side isn't.”Maya (Gender Discrimination)
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“I have referred them several employment-related cases and they always get the job done. If you have an employment law question you should call The Amlong Firm.”Attorney Sam C. (Endorsing Bill and Karen Amlong)
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“I endorse this lawyer. He is also noted for winning one of the major cases before the U. S. Supreme Court.”Attorney Walter A. (Endorsing Bill Amlong)
Trial Lawyers Known for Handling High-Profile LGBT Cases
At The Amlong Firm, we have fought back in standing up for the rights of the LGBT community. We have handled a number of high-profile gay and lesbian cases, one of which was made into a TV movie. Karen Coolman Amlong's renamed character was played by Whoopi Goldberg in “What Makes a Family in a story about a lesbian woman's successful effort to retain custody of her late partner's birth-child. The dialogue was taken in part from trial transcripts.
Above all, we are trial lawyers. Our opponents know we are willing to go to trial and we obtain settlements that are generally better than those obtained by lawyers with a reputation for being reluctant to go to court. Because no protected status for sexual preference or sexual orientation currently exists for LGBT individuals, our attorneys will seek another theory to combat adverse actions in the workplace.
We have found that many of our LGBT clients have faced discrimination because of failure to fit rigid male and female stereotypes, such as the pink and frilly woman or the “real man” who would never wear pink. When you face workplace harassment or wrongful termination because you fail to fit a fixed gender role, that is illegal gender discrimination.
Ready to fight back in South Florida? Contact a Fort Lauderdale LGBT rights lawyer at (954) 953-5490 or through our online request form today.
