Gender-Based Harassment Attorney

Yes. Gender-based harassment involves hostile or demeaning conduct directed at someone because of their gender but is not necessarily sexual in nature. Examples include sexist remarks, gender-based hazing, hostility toward women in male-dominated fields, and anti-masculine or anti-feminine bullying. Under Title VII, FEHA, and New York law, gender-based harassment is equally illegal as sexually explicit harassment.

Absolutely. Men can face harassment for not conforming to masculine stereotypes, for working in traditionally female-dominated roles, or simply because of gender-based hostility. The Supreme Court in Oncale v. Sundowner confirmed that same-sex harassment is actionable. California and New York law protect all genders from gender-based workplace harassment.

Document the hostile conduct and demonstrate it was directed at you because of your gender. Comparator evidence is powerful — showing that employees of a different gender were not subjected to the same treatment. Gendered language, exclusion patterns, and differential enforcement of workplace standards all support a gender-based harassment claim.

File a formal written complaint to create a record. If HR or management dismisses it, file with the DFEH/CRD (California), DHR (New York), or EEOC. Under both CA and NY law, retaliation for complaining about gender-based harassment is independently illegal. An employment attorney can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.