A historic ruling Monday from the U.S. Supreme Court makes clear that protection from discrimination in the workplace extends to millions of LGBTQ American workers.
Sa'hara Miller is the transgender program coordinator for BU Wellness Network. She couldn't do anything but smile after finding out about Monday's landmark decision to protect LGBTQ workers from discrimination in the workplace.
"I left a lot of jobs because I felt I was going to be bullied," Miller said. "I felt like I would be some type of stigma."
Miller can relate to worrying about the consequences of being true to oneself while trying to hold on to a job. The risk of losing your livelihood hangs over the heads of so many.
"Now I feel like with [the ruling] a lot of people can be able to go out there and find some good employment," Miller said. "We have a lot of talented individuals who are afraid to show that."
Miller said in order to protect clients she used to give them a list of employers who seemed to be LGBTQ friendly. She's glad the law might make it so she won't have to do that much longer.
"This is progress," Miller said. "It's one step forward. We have a long way to go."
In a 6-3 vote history was made by the Supreme Court. The decision hinged on three different cases of workers being let go after their employer found out they were gay or transgender.
"I can be comfortable at work and I don't have to worry about changing my voice or wearing lashes but some of my trans sisters do have to worry about that," Miller said. "But now maybe they won't have to worry and they'll have a steady income without doing anything additional."
