A transgender woman filed a lawsuit against a Hooters franchise in Colonie, New York, claiming the popular restaurant chain refused to hire her due to her appearance and gender identity.
Brandy Livingston, who has been a frequent patron at the Wolf Road location, claims she applied for positions at the restaurant three times but was continually denied employment due to what she describes as discriminatory practices.
Livingston told News10 that staff at the restaurant refused to acknowledge her identity as a woman, allegedly using male pronouns and making disparaging remarks about her.
“They would use male pronouns. They would refer to me as he,” Livingston said, citing perceived disrespect from staff members.
Livingston also described an incident involving access to the women’s restroom. She claims she overheard a server questioning her restroom use, asking a manager, “Why are you allowing him in the women’s restroom?” According to Livingston, the manager replied, “Oh, I don’t like it any more than you do.”
Livingston filed a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights, which investigated and reportedly found evidence suggesting her rights may have been violated under state discrimination laws. The findings prompted an official hearing scheduled for September, where both parties will present their cases.
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