What is the name of your state? New Mexico
I am a 50 year old female (clearly heterosexual) and recently went to work with a new short haircut. My boss, the business owner, saw me and made the remark, ''Look at C-----, she's all dyked out'' very loud and chuckled to himself. I abruptly said ''I beg your pardon'' and he walked away. Several of my coworkers (also female) heard it and stared in shock when he said it. Just as an FYI, I am not anti-gay and have nothing against gays but the ignorant behavior of others is clearly one reason they feel threatened in society.
This is not the first time he has humiliated me in front of others, but it is the first time for this type of comment. It has created anxiety and anger within me and I consider it a hostile work environment. He is the business owner so there is no superior to discuss the matter with. I am terribly offended by the remark because I struggle with low self esteem anyway, and have literally lost all respect I had for this man. He does not pay me enough to tolerate this type of arrogance. I have only been in this job about six months and although I like the job, this is creating resentment.
I don't know if my coworkers would support me if I chose to pursue filing a claim because of fear of losing their jobs - they are all paid more than I am. Incidentally, he is a doctor and his wife also practices in the same office. My relationship is strictly professional and I share no personal information with either of them.
What would you recommend in this situation?
I am a 50 year old female (clearly heterosexual) and recently went to work with a new short haircut. My boss, the business owner, saw me and made the remark, ''Look at C-----, she's all dyked out'' very loud and chuckled to himself. I abruptly said ''I beg your pardon'' and he walked away. Several of my coworkers (also female) heard it and stared in shock when he said it. Just as an FYI, I am not anti-gay and have nothing against gays but the ignorant behavior of others is clearly one reason they feel threatened in society.
This is not the first time he has humiliated me in front of others, but it is the first time for this type of comment. It has created anxiety and anger within me and I consider it a hostile work environment. He is the business owner so there is no superior to discuss the matter with. I am terribly offended by the remark because I struggle with low self esteem anyway, and have literally lost all respect I had for this man. He does not pay me enough to tolerate this type of arrogance. I have only been in this job about six months and although I like the job, this is creating resentment.
I don't know if my coworkers would support me if I chose to pursue filing a claim because of fear of losing their jobs - they are all paid more than I am. Incidentally, he is a doctor and his wife also practices in the same office. My relationship is strictly professional and I share no personal information with either of them.
What would you recommend in this situation?
