NYC Transsexual
Settles Discrimination Complaint
by 365Gay.com on the
Web, February 16, 2007
New York City, Feb 15 --
Upscale New York City-based discount apparel chain Loehmann’s has agreed to add
"gender identity and gender expression" to its corporate non-discrimination
policy as part of an agreement ending a discrimination complaint against the
company by New York transsexual woman.
Jane Galla on two occasions was ordered out of fitting rooms and restrooms at
the chain’s flagship store on Manhattan’s Seventh Avenue.
On April 30, 2006, Galla was shopping at Loehmann’s but when she tried to enter
the women’s fitting room to use a private stall to try on a garment she was told
that she would have to use the men’s fitting room.
On a previous occasion, in December 2005, a Loehmann’s employee followed Galla
into the women’s restroom at the same store and told her in front of other
customers that she was not allowed to use that restroom.
With the help of the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund Galla filed a
complaint with the New York City Commission on Human Rights.
This week the TLDEF announced today that it had reached an agreement with
Loehmann's.
In addition to adding trans people to the company's non- discrimination policy
Loehmann's has adopted a policy allowing shoppers to use fitting rooms,
restrooms and other store facilities that are consistent with their gender
identity or gender expression.
"I’m very happy that Loehmann’s has taken appropriate steps to ensure that
transgender shoppers are treated with the same respect and dignity as everyone
else,” said Galla in a statement.
"Like all New Yorkers, I appreciate a good bargain, but the price is too high if
I have to endure discrimination when I go shopping."
"Transgender people are routinely harassed and abused, and sometimes even
arrested, when trying to access sex-segregated facilities like restrooms and
fitting rooms,” said Michael Silverman, TLDEF’s executive director and general
counsel.
"[This] settlement is another step forward for transgender people seeking equal
access to public accommodations,” he added.
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