California LGBTQ+ Sexual Assault Survivor Lawyer

California LGBTQ+ Sex Abuse Lawyer Jessica Pride Believes You

Sexual violence affects every demographic, community, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

Our firm proudly represents LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and workplace sexual harassment. We are a safe space to get your questions answered. Our firm is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.

The #MeToo Movement has made history, giving sexual assault survivors a voice. Sexual assault is being taught earlier and recognized faster. People are finally listening, but often LGBTQ+ survivors have been left in the margins of these conversations.

If you were sexually abused as a child or adult and are LGBTQ+ – we believe you, and it’s not your fault. We know that the societal expectation of sexual violence has a binary structure, and many assume that it only occurs between a man and a woman, but we know that sexual violence comes in many forms.

No matter your gender or sexual orientation, no one should go through the trauma of sexual assault without an advocate.

We have been helping survivors of sexual assault fight for justice for over fifteen years. We are here to listen, answer questions, and help you understand your legal options. We offer confidential consultations free of charge. Call us when you are ready, 619-516-8166, or fill out our contact form.

Fear of Coming Out

Our team knows that coming forward about one’s sexual assault is already an incredibly difficult decision, and for queer survivors this may also mean coming out about their sexuality or gender identity to individuals they do not yet know. We want to ensure that each LGBTQ+ individual that comes forward knows that The Pride Law Firm is a safe space for all queer identities and sexualities to safely share their stories and will be believed.

"Jessica helped me through a dark time that I won't go into detail here. But for those of you who are, and there are so many, be sure to speak with her. With the wave of emotions I was feeling it was difficult to ask anyone a question, especially in private. 

Jessica was honest that it was not an easy process to file a lawsuit, but it was necessary to stop this from happening to someone else…Since the case was finalized life has been SO better and I feel like I've been able to move on. Much praise and love for Jess and her caring team!"

- LUCY H.

Heightened Vulnerability of LGBTQ+ People

As a community, LGBTQ+ people face higher rates of stigma and marginalization, placing all members at greater risk for sexual assault and abuse. Specifically, this means higher rates of hate-motivated crimes and violence, which often take the form of sexual assault.

In addition, intersections with systemic inequality such as homophobia, transphobia, racism, misogyny, and other forms of discrimination may increase the risk of sexual assault for various subsets of the LGBTQ+ population.

Consider the following statistics regarding LGBTQ+ sexual assault rates compiled by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) from various studies:

• 40% of gay men and 47% of bisexual men have experienced sexual violence other than rape
• Nearly 1 in 8 lesbian women (13%), and almost half of bisexual women (46%), have been raped in their lifetime
• 47% of transgender individuals are sexually assaulted at some point in their lifetime

Among LGBTQ+ individuals, transgender people and bisexual women face the most alarming rates of sexual violence. For these communities, sexual violence begins early, often during childhood.

In a study called “Measuring #MeToo in California, 2019: A Statewide Assessment of Sexual Harassment and Assault” for the Californian LGBTQ+ community, they are particularly at risk if:

• They identify as lesbian or bisexual women, with four out of five (80%) having faced sexual assault, compared with one in four (25%) straight women.
• They identify as gay or bisexual men, with three out of four (75%) experiencing aggressive sexual harassment, such as stalking or unwanted sexual touching, compared with one in three (33%) straight men.
• They are foreign-born men, as three out of four (75%) reported experiencing harassment, compared with one out of two (50%) U.S.-born men.
• Overall, more than 86% of women in California report experiencing some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime, compared to 81% nationally, and 53% of men report the same, compared to 43% nationally.

In a legal setting, this means that sexual assault incidents against LGBTQ+ people may be tied in with a complex net of social, cultural, and economic factors; such factors must be considered and acknowledged when interacting with survivors.

Heightened Vulnerability of Trans-Identifying People

Each conversation with our team is confidential. We cannot act on the information you share without your consent. We are here to listen and provide assistance. We believe every survivor. Contact us at 619-516-8166 if you or a loved one were sexually harassed or discriminated against at work.

The California Violence Experiences Study (CalVEX) documents alarmingly high rates of physical and sexual violence among non-binary and transgender Californians. 

The study reports that 14% of non-binary and 27% of transgender individuals experienced physical violence in the past year, significantly higher than the overall rate of 5% among California adults. 

56% of non-binary and 40% of transgender adults faced sexual harassment or assault, compared to 9% of the general population. These statistics reveal severe disparities, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions and support for these vulnerable groups.

Overall, the study found that most trans individuals experience physical or sexual partner violence in their lifetime. Non-binary individuals (76%), and transgender individuals (83%) are particularly affected, compared to 38% of men. 

The study also examined the emotional and mental health consequences of such violence, noting that victims are more likely to suffer from severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, and are more likely to misuse substances.

Despite the high prevalence of violence, most victims do not report these incidents to authorities, with 80% of those experiencing physical violence and 95% experiencing sexual violence opting not to seek help. This lack of reporting suggests a mistrust in the criminal justice system or a belief that reporting will not yield positive outcomes.

The survey also highlighted disparities based on race, ethnicity, and economic status, with minority and economically distressed individuals experiencing higher rates of violence. 

At The Pride Law Firm, we work closely with LGBTQ+ survivors. We understand the many intersecting factors that are present in cases for queer folks. We ensure that our team is well-trained, respectful, and understanding to Queer survivors.

We understand that the legal system often fails these vulnerable groups. As dedicated California LGBTQ+ Sex Abuse Lawyers, we are here to provide compassionate and expert support. 

Whether you need a California LGBTQ+ Sexual Assault Survivor Attorney or a California LGBTQ+ Sexual Harassment Lawyer, we are committed to advocating for your rights and helping sexual assault survivors seek justice.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of LGBTQ+ Sexual Assault?

The effects of a single sexual assault incident can heavily impact the survivor. They can affect a person not just in the moments after the incident, but in the long run throughout their lives.

Long-term effects of sexual assault may be severe, especially in connection with abuses that occur during childhood. These include:

• Depression, anxiety, PTSD
• Substance abuse
• Lack of confidence or self-worth
• Eating disorders
• Suicide

In addition, sexual assaults that are motivated by LGBTQ+ issues or hate crimes can have severely damaging effects on the survivor’s sense of identity and social interactions. Often, survivors hesitate or refrain from reporting due to feelings of fear, guilt, embarrassment, or confusion. This reaction is normal, and it is common to delay reporting crimes that immensely impact safety, identity, and body.

Long-term effects and impacts of LGBTQ+ sexual assaults must be considered when litigating these types of cases. 

This is especially important in cases where the acts occur in institutions like rehabilitation centers or religious settings, where the behavior is often perpetuated and allowed to occur over long periods. Highlighting the long-term damage is one way to shed light on how egregious the conduct is, and to hold the institutions fully accountable for their violations.

What Types of Discrimination does a California LGBTQ+ Sex Abuse Lawyer Deal with?

The workplace is one of the major fields of discrimination and harassment against LGBTQ+ people. To clarify, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) considers harassment to be a form of discrimination:

“Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, older age (beginning at age 40), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history).”

This can take many forms and may manifest in various ways. For LGBTQ+ people, examples of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace include:

‍Examples of Gender-Based Discrimination:

• Unequal treatment in hiring or firing processes based on gender or gender identity
• Being subjected to unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other forms of sexual harassment
• Unwanted questions regarding LGBTQ+ sex, requesting confirmation of one’s genitalia, or sexualized commentary regarding their identities
• Denial of benefits, promotions, or recognition on account of gender identity
• Being punished for behavior that does not result in disciplinary action when performed by an employee of another gender
• Repeated exposure to derogatory language or slurs based on gender
• Being misgendered by a title or name that you don’t identify with (Mr., Mrs., or deadnaming.)

‍One of the problems with LGBTQ+ workplace discrimination is that it can often be built into the company’s culture, policies, and practices. Sometimes, harassment may be coming from the very people you are supposed to report to.

If that’s the case, you may need to contact a lawyer to pursue legal action. 

LGBTQ+ People’s Experiences in the Workplace

Sexual discrimination is common in workplaces with gender inequities. You deserve to have peace of mind at work. Reach out at 619-516-8166 to discuss your circumstances in absolute privacy and confidentiality.

• 1 in 10 LGBTQ+ workers experienced discrimination at work in the last year
•  LGBTQ+ employees of color were more likely to report being denied jobs and verbal harassment
• Many LGBTQ+ employees reported engaging in “covering” behaviors to avoid harassment or discrimination at work
• 46% of LGBTQ+ workers have experienced unfair treatment at work at some point in their lives
• 38% of LGBTQ+ employees reported experiencing harassment at work
• 34% of LGBTQ+ employees have left their jobs because of the way their employer treated them

What Benefit Is There to Pursuing Legal Action?

Filing a lawsuit for LGBTQ+ sexual assault or harassment benefits the individual survivor by having their experience validated and monetary compensation to move forward with their life. Filing a lawsuit can also create change in securing safer communities and work environments for everyone. By pursuing legal action, you can help:

• Hold liable institutions accountable for their actions
• Set court precedent for novel case issues
• Provide important information to change or amend laws
• Change societal norms
• Improve company policies and practices
• Break down systemic forms of oppression and discrimination

In many instances, entire movements such as the #MeToo movement gained backing and momentum due to breaking cases and legal work. Often, this can be much faster than relying on changes through the legislature or city councils. With LGBTQ+ issues, we understand that there is still so much work to do.

For survivors, a court award can help improve their quality of life and grant them access to resources they might not otherwise have. A settlement or damages award can assist with:

• Costs of treatment, including therapy or counseling
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Additional costs not covered by insurance

Reach Out to Jessica Pride: California LGBTQ+ Sexual Assault Survivor Attorney

The Pride Law Firm is more than just a professional law firm—we are a trusted network of sexual harassment and abuse lawyers for LGBTQ+ survivors. We employ two full-time survivor advocates for support throughout the entire legal process. Our team is also equipped with trauma-informed training to specifically meet every survivor’s needs.

What happened is not your fault, no matter where you were, who you were with or what you were doing when it occurred. Contact us at 619-516-8166 to discuss your circumstances in absolute privacy and confidentiality. We value your identity and will answer all of your questions.

Proudly Representing California Residents