Protected by California Civil Rights Department (CRD)

California law protects employees, applicants, interns, volunteers, and contractors from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on gender identity and gender expression.

Key Protections

1. Employment Discrimination
It is illegal to refuse to hire, fire, demote, or alter job terms because someone is transgender, non-binary, or presents their gender non-traditionally.

2. Harassment
Harassment based on gender identity or expression—by coworkers, managers, or even customers—is unlawful. This includes intentionally misgendering or refusing to use the correct pronouns.

3. Retaliation
Employees are protected from retaliation for reporting discrimination or harassment, whether to a supervisor, HR, or the CRD.

4. Restroom & Locker Room Access
Employees can use facilities that match their gender identity. Employers may offer all-gender restrooms but cannot require employees to use them.

5. Names & Pronouns
Employees have the right to be addressed by the name and pronouns that align with their identity, regardless of legal documents. Employers must respect this unless legally required to use the employee’s legal name.

6. Dress Codes
Employees can dress according to their gender identity. Dress codes must be enforced equally and fairly.

7. Job Interviews
Interviewers may not ask about sex assigned at birth, gender identity, name changes, or medical transition.

File a Complaint or Learn More
CRD Complaint Process
800-884-1684 | TTY: 800-700-2320 | Relay Service: 711
calcivilrights.ca.gov/complaintprocess

See attached poster for more information