Sex Discrimination Lawyer in Bellevue, WA

From gender stereotypes to rigid gender roles, society has a history of implementing backwards rules that have hurt people of all genders. When these toxic ideas make their way to the workplace, this can create a hostile work environment that has a negative effect on the employee’s job performance and mental health.

More than 40% of women in the US have reported suffering from gender discrimination, despite having the ability and wisdom it takes to perform the same tasks done by their male colleagues.

Thankfully, Washington state has the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), which protects individuals from gender-based discrimination, especially in the workplace and other public places. The same law protects people from gender-motivated harassment or threats.

If you have experienced harassment or discrimination in the workplace due to your gender, then a sex discrimination lawyer in Bellevue can help you take the steps needed to correct this injustice.

What is Gender Discrimination?

To answer this question, we should first start with a common misconception in society: that gender and sex are the same thing. Sex refers to a person’s biological identity, be that male or female. Gender is a collective term that describes characteristics associated with femaleness or maleness.

Gender identity (or expression) means possessing or being perceived as having a certain appearance, image, awareness, or behavior. It can be completely different from what is traditionally associated with the biological sex of a person.

Gender discrimination happens when a person or an organization treats individuals differently based on either their sex or gender. You may suffer from this type of discrimination if you were rejected for employment, denied promotion, denied benefits, or even fired because of your sex or gender identity.

What Are Some Examples of Gender Discrimination?

Preferential treatment: The law prohibits workplaces and organizations from disregarding applications due to gender or paying members of one gender more than the other for the same roles. If you notice a difference in pay between coworkers in the same position and with similar skills, then your employer may be guilty of unequal payment practices.

Objectification: This is when an employee receives consistent derogatory remarks about their appearance at the workplace.

Sexual harassment: Sexual harassment can take the form of a ‘quid pro quo’, where a boss demands sexual favors in return for a promotion or raise. Even if the employee is not offered a raise, it can be considered sexual harassment if someone at work continues a pattern of inappropriate behavior that creates a hostile work environment.

Pregnancy discrimination: If an employer denies you appropriate leave or treats you differently because of pregnancy, then you have the right to file a gender discrimination lawsuit.

Segregation: You may be segregated in the workplace in a way that limits your gender. For instance, if your employer gives one gender better projects than the other, then that can be considered gender discrimination.

What Kind of Lawyer Handles Sex Discrimination?

Federal and state law prohibits discrimination based on gender. The Washington Human Rights Commission has also reiterated that WLAD protects employees against discrimination in the workplace and in public spaces. So, if you are harassed or discriminated against at your workplace, a gender-based discrimination attorney can help.

With offices in Bellevue and Seattle, the lawyers at HKM Employment Attorneys are perfectly positioned to help Bellevue employees facing discrimination in the workplace. We’ll use years of experience to walk you through the process of filing a claim, gathering evidence, or even filing a lawsuit to ensure you are fairly represented against your employer.

Consult with a Sex Discrimination Lawyer in Bellevue Today

If you are being treated unfairly at work because of your gender or sexual identity, and your employer has done nothing to put an end to it, then we have a solution for you. HKM Employment Attorneys has a competent team of gender discrimination lawyers who can handle your situation. Get started today with an initial consultation, where we’ll discuss your case and help you establish your next steps for resolving the issue.