If you’ve faced discrimination just for being LGBTQ+—whether it was at work, school, in housing, or in a hospital—you are not alone. And you are not without power.
Maybe you were harassed after coming out. Denied a promotion because you’re trans. Laughed at in a doctor’s office. Told your partner wasn’t “welcome” at an apartment showing. These aren’t “just bad experiences.” These are violations of your civil rights. And they carry a deep emotional toll: shame, fear, rage, isolation.
At Marko Law, we hear you. We see you. And we fight like hell for you.
You deserve dignity. You deserve safety. You deserve a future free from discrimination—and if someone tried to take that from you, we will help you take it back.
Our firm is based in Detroit and built on the belief that everyone deserves justice—no exceptions. Led by civil rights trial attorney Jon Marko, our team has taken on some of the most powerful institutions in Michigan and won. We’ve fought for people who were told to stay silent. We made sure they were heard. And we’ll do the same for you.
This isn’t just about money. It’s about accountability. About change. You deserve more than survival. You deserve justice.
What Does LGBTQ+ Discrimination Look Like?
Fired, Demoted, or Denied Opportunities After Coming Out
You come out as gay, bisexual, or transgender—and suddenly your boss says “you’re no longer a good fit.” Promotions vanish. Your hours get cut. You’re written up for things others aren’t. Then comes the termination “for performance reasons.”
Make no mistake: this is discrimination. Under both Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and federal law (Title VII), it is illegal to fire or penalize someone for their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Hostile Work Environment or Ongoing Harassment
Discrimination isn’t always about being fired. Sometimes it’s being forced to endure a toxic, degrading atmosphere every single day:
- Coworkers constantly misgendering or deadnaming you
- Jokes or slurs that management ignores
- Being excluded from meetings, events, or opportunities
- Threats, humiliation, or intimidation based on who you are
If HR did nothing—or made it worse—you may have a case. A hostile work environment based on LGBTQ+ status is grounds for legal action, and Marko Law knows how to hold employers accountable.
Denied Housing or Services Because of Your Identity
Imagine being told an apartment is “no longer available” after your partner visits the showing. Or a lender suddenly pulls a mortgage offer. Or a bar refuses to serve you.
That’s not just discrimination. That’s illegal under Michigan’s expanded civil rights law, which now covers sexual orientation and gender identity in housing and public accommodations.
At Marko Law, we’ve seen landlords and businesses try to hide bigotry behind “policies” and pretexts. We know how to expose discrimination and force accountability.
School Bullying or Retaliation for LGBTQ+ Expression
Michigan students—especially LGBTQ+ youth—are vulnerable. We’ve heard the stories:
- Trans students denied the right to use correct bathrooms
- Teens punished for dressing according to their gender identity
- School officials ignoring or even participating in bullying
- LGBTQ+ clubs or Pride events being blocked or targeted
Your child has rights under federal education law (Title IX) and Michigan law, and schools have a legal duty to protect them. If they’ve failed, we’ll make sure they answer for it.
Refused Medical Care or Disrespected by Healthcare Providers
Health care discrimination hits hard—and it’s happening across Michigan:
- Clinics refusing to treat trans patients
- Doctors using the wrong name or pronouns, even after correction
- Being denied hormones, procedures, or respectful care
These actions may violate Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including gender identity. You deserve respectful, competent care—and we’ll make sure you get justice if you’ve been denied it.
Michigan and Federal Laws Protecting LGBTQ+ People
Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) – Michigan’s State Law
Michigan’s primary civil rights statute—the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA)—now protects sexual orientation and gender identity thanks to a landmark 2023 ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court.
What that means:
- It is illegal for Michigan employers, landlords, schools, and businesses to discriminate against you because you’re LGBTQ+.
- You can bring a civil rights complaint to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) or file a lawsuit if your rights have been violated.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – Federal Protection for Workers
In Bostock v. Clayton County (2020), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII.
This means:
- Employers nationwide—including in Michigan—cannot fire, demote, or refuse to hire you for being LGBTQ+.
- If they do, you can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and pursue damages.
Fair Housing Act & 🏥 Affordable Care Act – Beyond the Workplace
Discrimination doesn’t stop at the job. It can impact where you live and how you get care. That’s why:
- The Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords and housing providers from refusing rentals or sales based on sex—which courts have interpreted to include LGBTQ+ identity.
- The Affordable Care Act (Section 1557) bars healthcare discrimination, including denial of services to trans patients or mistreatment based on gender identity.
Local Ordinances Add Even More Protection
Many Michigan cities—including Detroit, Ann Arbor, Ferndale, and Grand Rapids—have passed their own LGBTQ+ civil rights protections.
- These often apply to smaller employers and add fines or penalties for violations.
- Local Human Rights Commissions may also investigate complaints and enforce local anti-discrimination laws.
Your Rights: What You Can Do If You’ve Been Discriminated Against
Document Everything
Before you do anything else, start collecting evidence:
- Write down what happened—include dates, names, places, and what was said.
- Save emails, texts, or voicemails that show discrimination or retaliation.
- Take screenshots of social media messages or online reviews that reference your identity.
- Ask witnesses if they’ll give a statement or support your version of events.
Act Quickly—Deadlines Matter
Civil rights cases have short timelines. In Michigan:
- You typically have 180 days from the date of discrimination to file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR).
- For federal claims, you have 180 to 300 days to file with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), depending on the claim.
Miss these deadlines, and you may lose your right to sue—even if the discrimination was blatant. That’s why it’s critical to contact a lawyer early.
File a Formal Complaint (with MDCR or EEOC)
Depending on your situation, you can file a charge of discrimination with:
Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR)
- Best for violations under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, such as housing, education, or public accommodations
- Visit MDCR.gov to begin
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Best for workplace discrimination under Title VII
- Start at EEOC.gov
Pro tip: Don’t file alone. The wording of your complaint matters—and what you don’t say could hurt your case. Marko Law can help you file with precision and strength.
Contact Marko Law—And Take Your Power Back
Filing a complaint is just the beginning. To truly hold your harassers accountable—and seek financial and emotional justice—you need trial-ready representation.
At Marko Law, we don’t just file paperwork. We build aggressive, high-impact cases that demand attention and deliver results. Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or taking your fight to court, we’re in it with you—until the end.
What Can You Recover?
If your complaint is successful, or if we take your case to court, you may be entitled to significant compensation and relief, including:
- Back pay: Reimbursement for lost wages or benefits
- Front pay: Future earnings if you can’t return to your old job
- Compensation for emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, loss of dignity
- Punitive damages: When discrimination was willful, malicious, or egregiously negligent
- Policy changes or injunctive relief: Forcing employers or institutions to reform discriminatory practices
Ready to Fight for Your Rights
Discrimination isn’t just illegal—it’s personal. It cuts deep, erodes confidence, and sends the cruel message that who you are isn’t welcome. At Marko Law, we reject that message outright.
You have the right to live, work, love, and thrive without fear. If someone tried to take that from you—whether it was a boss, landlord, doctor, or school—we’re here to take it back. Loudly. Legally. Relentlessly.
We’ve stood up to state agencies, corporations, and school systems on behalf of the marginalized and mistreated—and we’ve won. When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a lawyer. You’re hiring a team that fights like hell because we care.
Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation
📞 Phone: 1-833-MARKO-LAW or 1-313-777-7777
📍 Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com
Marko Law Will Give You A Voice
At Marko Law, we don’t just take cases — we take a stand. Whether you're facing an injury, injustice, or outright negligence, our team fights like it’s personal — because to you, it is.
- Over $500 Million recovered for our clients
- Proven track record in civil rights, personal injury & workplace justice
- Free, confidential consultations — you don’t pay unless we win
- Based in Detroit, trusted across Michigan
Ready to make your voice heard?
We’re not here to play games. We’re here to win.