Transgender Woman Sues Hooters for Discrimination

Brandy Livingston, a transgender woman, has filed a lawsuit against a Hooters restaurant in Colonie, New York, alleging discrimination based on her gender identity after being denied employment three times. Livingston claims the restaurant staff misgendered her and harassed her for using the women's restroom, leading to a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights, which found potential evidence of rights violations. Hooters argues that the employment rejections were due to Livingston's past behavior, which allegedly made staff uncomfortable, including inappropriate comments and discussions about firearms. The restaurant's legal representation maintains that these factors, not gender identity, informed their hiring decisions. A hearing is set for September 2025 to address these allegations.