Employees often feel worried or unsure about reporting concerns to their employer or to the EEOC, including fear of possibly being retaliated against. Know that you have the option to meet with an attorney to discuss your concerns and evaluate possible legal remedies at any time.

It is also important to be aware of your employer’s anti-harassment and discrimination policies, and to follow the established procedures to report harassment. In certain scenarios, the law provides a defense for employers when the employee has not followed company policy to report harassment.

You are not legally required to disclose your sexual orientation and/or gender identity, but this may be necessary during the process of reporting harassment to your employer. Consult an attorney specializing in sexual orientation discrimination for more information.