Gender Discrimination in California: Know Your Rights at Work
Gender discrimination in the workplace is illegal in California — yet it continues to affect employees across industries every day. Workers may be denied promotions, paid less, harassed, pushed out, or terminated simply because of their gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy status, or perceived sex.
At Jonny Law, we represent California employees who have been treated unfairly because of who they are. If you believe your employer made decisions based on gender rather than merit, you may have a strong legal claim.
What Is Gender Discrimination?
Gender discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfavorably because of their sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
Under California law, discrimination does not have to be obvious to be illegal. It can be subtle, systemic, or disguised as “business decisions.” What matters is whether gender played a role in how you were treated.
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides some of the strongest employee protections in the country.
Common Examples of Gender Discrimination in the Workplace
Gender discrimination can appear in many forms, including:
Paying employees differently for substantially similar work
Denying promotions or leadership roles based on gender
Firing or sidelining employees after pregnancy or parental leave
Unequal discipline or performance scrutiny
Harassment or hostile work environments
Retaliation after reporting discrimination
Discrimination against transgender or non-binary employees
Employers often attempt to justify these actions using vague explanations such as “culture fit,” “performance concerns,” or “business restructuring.” Timing, patterns, and inconsistencies frequently reveal the real reason.
Pregnancy & Gender-Based Medical Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination is a form of gender discrimination. Employers may not terminate, demote, reduce hours, or deny opportunities because an employee is pregnant, recovering from childbirth, or requires pregnancy-related accommodations.
California law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations such as modified duties, schedule changes, breaks, or medical leave — and retaliation for requesting accommodations is illegal.
Gender Identity & Expression Are Protected
California law explicitly protects employees from discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. This includes protections for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming employees.
Misgendering, denial of restroom access, harassment, or adverse employment actions tied to gender identity can all form the basis of a legal claim.
Retaliation for Speaking Up Is Illegal
Many employees are not fired for their gender — they are fired for complaining about discrimination.
If your employer took negative action against you after you reported unfair treatment, requested accommodations, or participated in an investigation, that retaliation may be a separate and serious violation of the law.
What You May Be Entitled To
Employees who experience gender discrimination may be entitled to compensation that includes:
Lost wages and future earnings
Emotional distress damages
Attorney’s fees and legal costs
Penalties and interest
Reinstatement or front pay
Settlement or trial compensation
Every case is fact-specific. Early legal guidance can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and preserving evidence.
Talk to a California Gender Discrimination Lawyer
If you believe you were treated unfairly because of your gender, you do not have to face this alone. Employers are powerful — but California law is on your side.
Jonny Law focuses on representing employees in serious workplace discrimination cases. We understand how employers operate, how discrimination is hidden, and how to hold them accountable.
If you believe you have experienced discrimination in the workplace based on gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, or sex, legal guidance can help you understand your rights and available options. Jonny Law offers confidential consultations to review gender discrimination concerns, explain how California law applies to your specific situation, and help protect you from unlawful treatment, retaliation, or career-damaging consequences.
