Is it legal to fire someone for being LGBTQ+?
What changed
In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that federal job discrimination law covers gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender workers. The EEOC, the federal job discrimination office, still says so on its website. In January 2026, the EEOC withdrew its 2024 guidance on workplace harassment. In February 2026, the EEOC ruled that federal agencies may keep transgender federal employees out of restrooms and locker rooms that don’t match their sex at birth. The EEOC says this ruling covers only federal agencies, not private employers, and does not bind the courts.
Who can help with this where you live
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Alaska State Commission for Human Rights
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing and in public places.
Anyone in Alaska · the page says sexual orientation and gender identity are covered in some cases
- Anchorage Equal Rights Commission
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing and in public places.
Anchorage only · free to file
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- City of Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department
Takes work complaints that cover sexual orientation and gender identity.
Phoenix only · city jobs and employers with fewer than 15 workers
- City of Tucson Office of Equal Opportunity Programs
Takes complaints about bias at work and in public places, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
Tucson city limits only · for housing it takes only income-source complaints, other housing bias goes to Southwest Fair Housing Council
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- California Civil Rights Department
Takes complaints about bias at work, including bias based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Anyone who works in California · does not represent you or charge a fee
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Colorado Civil Rights Division
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing and in public places, including bias based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Anyone in Colorado · appointment needed for in-person visits
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO)
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing and in public places, including bias based on gender identity.
Anyone in Connecticut · CHRO says state law has protected gender identity since 2011
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Whitman-Walker Legal Services
Free legal help with discrimination, immigration, benefits and name or gender changes, serving LGBTQ+ people and people with HIV.
Free · you must finish a phone intake interview first · name and gender help also for Maryland and Virginia
- DC Office of Human Rights
Takes complaints about bias based on sexual orientation or gender identity at work, in housing, in school and in public places.
Anyone who lives, visits or works in DC
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Miami-Dade Human Rights and Fair Employment Practices
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing and in public places, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
Miami-Dade County only
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- City of Atlanta Human Relations Commission
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing or in stores.
Atlanta only
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Hawaii Civil Rights Commission
Takes free complaints about bias at work, in housing and in public places based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Anyone in Hawaii · free to file
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Illinois Department of Human Rights
Takes complaints about bias based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Anyone in Illinois · filing is free
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Iowa Office of Civil Rights (Iowa Civil Rights Commission)
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing, in schools and in public places based on sexual orientation.
Anyone in Iowa · does not give you a lawyer
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- City of Lawrence Human Relations Division
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing and in public places, including bias based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Lawrence city limits only · no fee to file · you can start with an online form, a phone call or a visit to City Hall
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission
Takes complaints about unfair treatment at work, in housing and in public places.
Louisville Metro only · covers sexual orientation and gender identity
- Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission
Looks into complaints about unfair treatment at work, in housing and in public places, at no charge.
Lexington only · local law covers sexual orientation and gender identity
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Maine Human Rights Commission
Takes complaints about unfair treatment at work, in housing, in stores, in school and in credit.
Anyone in Maine · the page says sexual orientation and gender identity are covered · the Commission does not give legal advice to either side
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- FreeState Justice
Free legal help for LGBTQ+ people, including name changes and discrimination.
LGBTQ+ people in Maryland · free help depends on income, household size, case type and where you live
- Maryland Commission on Civil Rights
Takes complaints about unfair treatment at work, in housing and in public places.
Anyone in Maryland · covers sexual orientation and gender identity · start with an online form
- Montgomery County Office of Human Rights
Looks into complaints about unfair treatment at work, in housing and in public places.
Montgomery County only · covers sexual orientation and gender identity
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)
Takes complaints about unfair treatment at work, in housing, in schools and in public places.
Anyone who lives in, works in or visits Massachusetts · covers sexual orientation and gender identity
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- VisitACLU of Michigan LGBTQ+ Project
Gives legal information and referrals to LGBTQ+ people who face unfair treatment.
LGBTQ+ people and groups in Michigan · the Project mostly works on cases meant to change the law
- Michigan Department of Civil Rights
Takes complaints about unfair treatment at work, in housing, in school and in stores.
Anyone in Michigan · the page lists sexual orientation and gender identity or expression · the Department does not act as your lawyer
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Minnesota Department of Human Rights
Takes reports of unfair treatment at work, in housing, in school and in stores.
Anyone in Minnesota · the page lists sexual orientation as protected
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- VisitACLU of Mississippi LGBTQ Justice Project
A free legal clinic for LGBTQ+ people with family, housing, work and civil rights problems.
LGBTQ+ people in Mississippi · reach them by email
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- City of St. Louis Civil Rights Enforcement Agency
Takes reports of unfair treatment at work, in housing and in stores or public places.
City of St. Louis · the page lists sexual orientation or expression as a basis you can report
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Montana Human Rights Bureau
Takes complaints about bias, including sexual orientation, at work, in housing and in public places.
Anyone in Montana
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing or in public places, and its form lists sexual orientation and gender identity.
Anyone in Nebraska
- City of Omaha Human Rights and Relations Department
Looks into bias complaints in housing, work and public places, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
Omaha only
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Nevada Equal Rights Commission
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing or in public places, including bias based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Anyone in Nevada · free · complaints are filed online
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- VisitNew Hampshire Commission for Human Rights
State agency that enforces laws against bias at work, in housing, in public places and in K-12 schools, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
Anyone in New Hampshire
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Legal Services of New Jersey Statewide Hotline
Free civil legal help for people with low income, listed by the state as a place for trans people to get legal help.
Low income · anyone in New Jersey
- VisitNew Jersey Division on Civil Rights
State office that takes complaints about bias, including bias based on gender identity.
Anyone in New Jersey
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- City of Albuquerque Office of Civil Rights
Takes complaints about bias in housing, work and public places, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
Albuquerque only
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- New York State Division of Human Rights
Takes complaints about bias based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Anyone in New York State
- VisitNYC Commission on Human Rights
Takes complaints about bias in New York City.
New York City only
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- City of Charlotte Community Relations Department
Takes complaints about bias at work and in public places, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
Charlotte only
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing and in public places. A 2020 department notice says this includes sexual orientation and gender identity.
Anyone in North Dakota
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries Civil Rights
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing and in public places, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
Anyone in Oregon
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing and in public places.
Philadelphia only · covers sexual orientation and gender identity · in-person visits by appointment
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- City of Austin Civil Rights Office
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing or in public places.
Austin only
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- University of Utah Pro Bono Initiative, Rainbow Law
Free short legal talks on LGBTQ+ issues like work, name and gender changes, family and estate plans.
Anyone in Utah · about 30 minutes with law students and attorneys · advice only, no court representation · walk in or ask for an online visit by email
- Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division
State office that takes job discrimination complaints, including for sexual orientation and gender identity.
Anyone in Utah · employer usually needs 15 or more workers
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Vermont Human Rights Commission
State office that looks into unfair treatment in housing, stores and services, and state jobs because of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Anyone in Vermont · private job complaints go to the Attorney General's office instead
- Vermont Attorney General Civil Rights Unit
State office that takes job discrimination complaints, including for sexual orientation and gender identity.
Anyone in Vermont · works for private employers too
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- Whitman-Walker Legal Services
Free lawyers who help with LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination, name and gender changes, and more.
Name and gender changes for people in DC, Maryland and Virginia · other help may depend on where you live · everyone must finish a phone intake first
- Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs
Takes complaints about unfair treatment because of sexual orientation or gender identity at work, in housing and in stores.
Fairfax County only · call to set up a phone or video intake
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- QLaw Foundation LGBTQ Legal Clinic
Free 30-minute phone talk with a volunteer lawyer.
LGBTQ+ people across Washington · civil issues only, no court representation · request form first
- Washington State Human Rights Commission
Takes complaints about bias based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Anyone in Washington State
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- City of Madison Department of Civil Rights
Takes complaints about bias at work, in housing or in public places.
Madison only · covers sexual orientation and gender identity
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
- VisitLambda Legal Help DeskNational
Free legal information on LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination.
Anyone in the U.S. · not for emergencies
- Transgender Law Center HelpdeskNational
Free legal information for trans people, including ID changes.
Anyone in the U.S.
Spot a mistake, or know a group we missed? Let us know.This is general information, not legal advice. Listing an organization here is not a recommendation or endorsement.
