Transgender Files Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination

A man undergoing gender transition to become a woman is suing a company he says fired him.

The Port Arthur man claims he was removed from his position with KT Maintenance at the Motiva Refinery after KT found out he was becoming a woman.

40 year old Gerald Jeanmard filed the lawsuit April 10. He says he has always, at all material times, presented himself as a transgender female, and claims his civil rights have been violated.

He's seeking lost wages and other damages in a lawsuit attorneys say is the first of its kind to be filed in Jefferson County.

Gerald Jenmard filed this landmark lawsuit as a man, but by the time a judge makes a ruling, he could be a woman.

The Supreme Court is considering three cases concerning Jenmard's issue - transgender rights.

"According to the EEOC, they kinda fall through the crack. They're really not covered under Title 7 Civil Rights Act," said Madelyn Niscavits, a civil rights advocate.

Programs like hers are grassroots efforts that developed out of the 1960's. She says movements like that are the best hope for transgender individuals.

"And that's what they could do - they could do the same thing - a grassroots movement," said Niscavits. "If they're ready to do that. If you're dealing with sexual orientation it can get pretty touchy and some people may not want to do it."

40 year old Gerald Jeanmard is ready to take a stand. He's suing KT Maintenance and Motiva Enterprises.

He says he was restricted from using the bathrooms. The men would not let him in. When he tried going to the women's restroom, he says they objected.

He says the company forced him to call the office for an escort each time he needed to use the bathroom.

But there were no phones in the refinery.

The EECO says companies cannot fire someone simply because they make other employees feel uncomfortable, unless it's is outlined in the company's policy.

"If they don't have a policy and refuse to hire or they terminate somebody because of their orientation, then they have committed an illegal act," said Niscavits.

We asked KT Maintenance for a copy of its company policy.

A spokeswoman for the company said she would contact their attorney and get back to us.

We've not heard back from the attorney.

The plaintiff and the plaintiff's attorney said the lawsuit speaks for itself.