I believe that I’ve been discriminated against because of my status as a queer individual. What can I do about this?
Let’s examine specific areas of discrimination and see what options are available to you when you believe you are discriminated against.
Connecticut law specifically prohibits discrimination by public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. If you believe you’ve been discriminated in a place of public accommodation (“any establishment which caters or offers its services or facilities or goods to the general public”), then you have the right to file a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO). CHRO is a state agency the exclusively deals with discrimination complaints (on the basis of race, sexual identity/expression, religion, national origin, etc.). You do not need a lawyer to file a complaint, and you can learn more about how to start the complaint process here.
The following are areas where you can take direct action and file a complaint if you believe you have been the victim of discrimination:
- Credit and Lending Services (by banks, credit unions or mortgage companies)
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against by a bank, credit union, mortgage company or other lender, then you should consider filing a complaint with CHRO. You do not need a lawyer to file a complaint, even if the complaint is brought to a hearing. CHRO’s staff and lawyer’s will evaluate your case and argue on your behalf throughout the entire process. - Employment
Connecticut law forbids employers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of sexual orientation, sexual identity or gender expression. The anti-discrimination laws apply to both public and private employers.
- My company is a very small one, and I am the only employee other than my boss – may I still make an employment discrimination claim based on a violation of state law?
No, employers with less than three employees are not subject to Connecticut’s anti-discrimination law when it comes to employment. In addition, certain religious organizations and ROTC programs at colleges and universities are exempt from the Connecticut anti-discrimination laws as well. - If I believe I’ve been discriminated against by an employer, what should I do?
You can file a complaint with CHRO (see above or go here), or you can file a federal complaint (within 180 days of when you believe the discrimination occurred) with a federal agency called the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) by going here.
- My company is a very small one, and I am the only employee other than my boss – may I still make an employment discrimination claim based on a violation of state law?
- Housing Discrimination
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against in a housing matter because of your identification or expression as a queer individual, you have the right to file a discrimination complaint with CHRO, or seek the help of another agency such as the Connecticut Fair Housing Center. In addition, a federal agency called the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)might be interested in a housing discrimination matter, especially if you live in federally subsidized housing or a housing project, or if you receive federal assistance to pay your rent (Section 8). You can find out more information about the HUD federal complaint process here.
What if I believe I’ve been the victim of a hate crime due to my gender identity or expression?
The first thing you should do is report the crime to the police. Connecticut law provides for enhanced penalties for individuals who commit hate crimes based on actual or perceived race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression. The law also allows individuals who are hate crime victims to recover money damages. If you decide you want to bring a civil lawsuit seeking money damages for a hate crime, you should contact an attorney who specializes in civil rights or personal injury.
