Ross Dress for Less Redresses Discrimination
The ACLU-WA was recently contacted by a transgender woman who experienced discrimination at the Ross Dress for Less in Lynnwood, Washington. While trying on clothes in the women’s dressing room, this woman was interrupted by the store manager, sternly told to put on her “regular clothes,” and loudly and repeatedly instructed to leave the dressing room area immediately. The ACLU-WA contacted Ross’ headquarters to explain that the Lynnwood store manager’s actions clearly violated the Washington Law Against Discrimination.
The Washington Law Against Discrimination forbids discrimination on the basis of “gender expression or identity” in “places of public accommodation,” or places that serve the public, such as stores, restaurants, hotels, and public schools. The law defines “gender expression or identity” as “having or being perceived to have a gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression, whether or not that gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression is different from that traditionally associated with the sex assigned to that person at birth.”
Ross, Inc., proved very responsive to our advocacy. The ACLU-WA has learned that the company has taken positive steps to ensure that the rights of transgender persons are not violated in the future—Ross has made clear to its employees that the company’s anti-discrimination policy, which forbids “gender” discrimination, prohibits discrimination against transgender persons on the basis of gender expression or identity. And the company has instructed employees to accommodate customers’ gender indentity when it comes to the use of changing rooms and restrooms.
Read more about the ACLU-WA’s advocacy efforts and Ross’ response.
Read more about the rights of transgender persons in Washington.
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Ross Dress For Less Anti-Trans Environment
My wife used to work at Ross in Austin, TX. That is until the workers there constantly made fun of Trans women who came to shop there. My wife tried to adress it through management, as she felt harassed after explaining to co-workers her wife was transgender. The management did absolutely nothing, and over the course of three weeks the harassment towards my wife only increased.
I fully believe this chain of stores is anti-trans and you do not have to go far on the internet to read a myriad of complaints stating the same.
ACLU, I challenge you, or anybody, to actually follow up on whether the companies actions have actually been implemented or if it was just lip service. After all, anyone can say they are training the employees, but in reality it takes time. Training material has to be created, then taught to Area management, then to managers, then to employees. As I recall, the is no New Employee training other than some xeroxed papers you are asked to read, sign and return.
Transgender Voice
Thank you for drawing to our attention the difficulties transgender women experience. As a speech pathologist and a voice feminization specialist, I hear discrimination issues like this all the time. We in the wider communication can and do provide tremendous support for these vulnerable members of our society.
Kathe Perez, President
Exceptional Voice, Inc.
http://www.exceptionalvoice.com
Thank You
It is hard to believe this was over a year ago when this incident took place. I am a completely different woman today and would never have had the courage to express myself if it hadn't been for the efforts by so many, including the work Lindsey did with Ross. I wanted to maintain anonimity back then but now I am living full time and not having any problems. While I haven't been back to Ross, I have heard from friends all over the country that all their stores know the revised policy and can recite it back when asked. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me come out of my shell.
Christy
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