Sam thought working at a gay bar would mean working in a place where he belonged. Instead, his supervisor told him he preferred working with straight bartenders and tried to intimidate him.

Sam documented what was happening and repeatedly reported his supervisor’s hostile behavior to management. The supervisor was eventually fired, but the retaliation against Sam continued. He was given unfavorable shifts, denied opportunities promised to him, iced out by management, and ultimately fired after putting his employer on notice that he believed he was experiencing retaliation.

In this episode of When Work Goes Wrong, Stockwell Law Firm takes you inside Sam’s hostile work environment and wrongful termination based in sexual orientation discrimination and retaliation case. Stockwell Law Firm explains how discrimination can occur between members of the same protected class, when harassment becomes a hostile work environment, and why an employer’s response after receiving a complaint can create additional legal claims.

You’ll also hear how Sam documented his experience, reached a settlement through mediation, and found the courage to stand up for himself and other queer service workers.

Listen to When Work Goes Wrong to hear what happened, what the law says, and what employees can do when harassment and retaliation threaten their livelihood.

Need Help With Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation, or Wrongful Termination in Washington State?

If you believe you’ve experienced wrongful termination based in sexual orientation discrimination and retaliation you may have a legal claim. Learn more or contact Stockwell Law Firm, serving employees throughout Seattle and Washington State, at stockwelllawfirm.com.