San Antonio Gender Discrimination Lawyer

San Antonio Gender Discrimination Lawyer​

No one should be treated differently in the workplace because of their gender. Yet, gender discrimination remains a persistent problem in workplaces across Texas. Unequal pay, denied promotions, harassment, and biased hiring decisions continue to affect employees regardless of their qualifications or dedication. When employers act unfairly based on gender, they violate both state and federal law, and you have the right to take action.

At Galo Law Firm, we stand up for employees in San Antonio who have experienced discrimination based on sex, gender identity, pregnancy, or sexual orientation. With decades of combined employment law experience, our San Antonio gender discrimination attorneys fight for fair treatment, accountability, and justice for employees throughout Texas. Call us today at (210) 764-6135.

Understanding Gender Discrimination in the Workplace

Understanding Gender Discrimination in the WorkplaceGender discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of their gender, gender identity, or perceived gender. This type of discrimination can affect every stage of employment, from hiring and training to promotion and termination.

Common examples include:

  • Paying women less than men for the same work;
  • Denying promotions or leadership roles based on gender stereotypes;
  • Firing or demoting employees because of pregnancy or maternity leave;
  • Harassing employees with sexist remarks or unwanted sexual advances;
  • Treating employees differently because they identify as transgender or nonbinary; and
  • Enforcing different dress codes or workplace expectations based on gender.

Even subtle or “unspoken” bias can create a hostile work environment and undermine career advancement. Whether discrimination happens once or repeatedly, it is against the law.

Laws Protecting Employees from Gender Discrimination

Federal and state laws provide strong protections against workplace discrimination based on gender or sex.

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in hiring, firing, compensation, benefits, and all other terms of employment.
  • The Equal Pay Act of 1963 requires equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender.
  • The Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects employees from discrimination related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
  • Texas Labor Code Chapter 21 mirrors federal law, giving Texas employees the right to sue for gender-based discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Additionally, federal courts and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recognize that gender discrimination also includes discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. If your employer has violated these laws, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.

Pregnancy Discrimination in Texas

Pregnancy discrimination is one of the most common forms of gender discrimination. Employers cannot fire, demote, or refuse to hire someone because they are pregnant or may become pregnant. They are also required to treat pregnancy-related conditions the same as any other temporary medical condition.

For example, if your employer provides light-duty work for employees with injuries but denies the same accommodation for pregnancy-related restrictions, that may violate the law. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provide important protections for expectant and new mothers.

At Galo Law Firm, our San Antonio gender discrimination lawyers have represented numerous employees who faced unfair treatment after disclosing their pregnancy or requesting time off for childbirth.

Sexual Harassment as a Form of Gender Discrimination

Sexual harassment is another way gender discrimination appears in the workplace. It may include unwanted sexual comments, advances, or physical contact, but it can also take the form of gender-based hostility, such as mocking someone’s gender or spreading rumors about their sexuality.

Employers are required to take reasonable steps to prevent and stop harassment. When they fail to do so, or when supervisors or coworkers create a hostile work environment, they can be held liable under federal and state law. If you’ve been sexually harassed or retaliated against for reporting harassment, Galo Law Firm can pursue justice on your behalf.

Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Texas does not have a statewide statute specifically protecting employees from discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, but several cities, including San Antonio, have local ordinances that do.

Moreover, in 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII’s prohibition against sex discrimination also covers discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. That means employers cannot fire or mistreat workers because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or nonbinary.

If your employer has discriminated against you based on your gender identity or sexual orientation, our attorneys can help you file a complaint with the EEOC or the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and pursue compensation through litigation if necessary.

Filing a Gender Discrimination Claim

If you believe you’ve experienced gender discrimination at work, it’s important to act quickly. Most claims must begin with an administrative charge.

You can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division (TWC-CRD) within 180 days of the discriminatory act (or up to 300 days in some cases). After investigation, these agencies may issue a “Right to Sue” letter, which allows you to file a lawsuit in court.

At Galo Law Firm, our San Antonio gender discrimination attorneys handle this process for our clients. From preparing the administrative complaint to negotiating settlements, we represent clients throughout the process and at trial if needed.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If your case is successful, you may be entitled to:

  • Back pay for lost wages or benefits;
  • Front pay for future losses if reinstatement is not feasible;
  • Compensatory damages for emotional suffering and mental anguish;
  • Punitive damages for especially egregious conduct; and
  • Attorney’s fees and legal costs.

We aim not only to recover financial compensation but also to hold employers accountable while helping prevent future discrimination.

Why Choose Galo Law Firm

Choosing the right employment attorney can make all the difference in a gender discrimination case. At Galo Law Firm, we bring decades of combined employment law experience to every matter. We have successfully handled claims involving gender bias, sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, and retaliation across Texas.

Our San Antonio gender discrimination lawyers take a personalized approach, listening to your story, explaining your rights, and building a strategy designed for your specific situation. Our attorneys are known for thorough preparation and a willingness to take cases to trial when employers refuse to do what’s right. We understand how painful discrimination can be and are committed to helping you find both justice and closure.

Contact Our San Antonio Gender Discrimination Lawyers Today

If you’ve been treated unfairly because of your gender, pregnancy, or sexual orientation, you don’t have to face it alone. The law is on your side, and so are we.

At Galo Law Firm, we help workers throughout San Antonio and Texas fight back against gender discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and pursue the justice you deserve. Call (210) 764-6135 or contact us online today to schedule a confidential consultation with a San Antonio gender discrimination lawyer at Galo Law Firm.