New York City Laws on Gender and
Sexual Minorities
​
While New York City has broad protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, it also has strong prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression, making the City Human Rights law one of the broadest in the nation. The City Commission’s Legal Enforcement Guidance on Gender Identity and Gender Expression provides detailed information about the obligations of employers, landlords and individuals who control access to and use of public accommodations, not to discriminate against individuals on the basis of gender identity, gender expression or on the basis of transgender status.
​
In addition, on March 7, 2016 the New York City Commission on Human Rights issued Executive Order No.16 which requires all City agencies to ensure that City employees and members of the public have access to single-sex facilities such as bathrooms and locker rooms in City buildings and areas consistent with their gender identity or expression without being required to show identification, medical documentation, or any other form of proof or verification of gender.
​
The attorneys at GELC are prepared to vigorously represent clients who have suffered from what is unfortunately an often overlooked form of discrimination and bias in society. If you’ve suffered from this type of action, contact (888) 833-4363 to speak to a member of GELC's staff.
Examples of Discrimination Based on
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression
​
​
Denial of equal pay or employment
​
Failure to provide equal benefits
​
Lewd comments or jokes
​
Offensive remarks about personal life
​
Taunts about partners or spouses
​
Termination or denial of promotion
​
Unfair evaluations of job performance
​
Verbal and sexual assaults
​
RESOURCES & LINKS
NYCCHR Guidance on Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Expression
​
The Commission's guidance on gender identity and gender expression protections under New York City’s Human Rights Law provides explicit examples to employers, landlords, business owners, and the general public on what the City considers discrimination of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Communities under the law.
