Trans Woman Gets Help in Fight Against Saks

Leythe Jamal hit back at Saks Fifth Avenue in federal court in Houston Tuesday, with her attorneys responding to the upscale retail giant's motion to dismiss her lawsuit claiming she was discriminated against on the job.

Attorneys Jillian Weiss and Mitchell Katine filed a response, citing legal precedent in countering the defendant's claim that Jamal's case has no merit because she is transgender.

They argued that discrimination based on gender, gender expression, and gender identity is indeed sex discrimination, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as interpreted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Among their citations was a 2008 decision in the Southern District of Texas that they argue interpreted Title VII to cover transgender employees.

And Jamal received a boost in an amicus, or friend of the court, brief filed by the Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Lesbian Rights in support of her response. They asked that the court deny the motion to dismiss.

Until July 2012, Jamal worked at a Saks in Houston, where she says managers repeatedly referred to her as a man and required her to use the men's restroom. Jamal also says that although managers were aware of her transgender identity, they pressured her to make her appearance more masculine.

Trending stories

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

From rock legends to Pride flags: Discover the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Asbury Park

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

​6 lesbian films coming we can't wait to see in 2025

Watch: In gay period romance 'Lilies Not For Me,' playful wrestling turns sensual (exclusive)

In 'Survival of the Thickest,' queer joy and activism are one and the same

Season 4 of The Switch on resilience & radical self-love returns this spring

Alan Cumming jumps for joy after major 'Avengers: Doomsday' casting news

Matt Bomer, as a 'Mid-Century Modern' ditz, can finally 'experience queer joy'

Bob the Drag Queen shades Mistress Isabelle Brooks’ weight loss: 'Girl, you have to get new pads'

In 'Mid-Century Modern,' the 'gay Avengers' assemble for needed comic relief

JD Vance ruthlessly mocked after everyone in Greenland refused to welcome wife Usha Vance

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

Cowboys & Queens U.S. tour by Jane Hilton: A modern American dream

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

Discover the power of Wellness in your life

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Gerald Garth is keeping people of color happy and healthy through trying times

'Mid-Century Modern': Celebrate Linda Lavin's most iconic roles

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

Nathan Lee Graham wants 'Mid-Century Modern's queer viewers to 'lean into the joy'

The Charles is Pacific Grove's new LGBTQ+ hotel

• 0
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

Last week, New York State's top lawman, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, sent a letter to Saks informing the store he will investigate its treatment of transgender employees. And earlier this month, HRC suspended Saks's Corporate Equality Index ranking as a result of its stand in the Jamal case.

At press time, Saks and its attorneys had not yet responded to Jamal's court filing.

Editor's note: The reporter manages media relations for the plaintiff's attorney, Jillian Weiss.