FW woman alleges she was kicked out of Dollar General store for being transgender
Posted on 23 Nov 2012 at 8:45am
Teresa Cross plans to file complaint under Cowtown's nondiscrimination ordinance, which was amended to include gender identity in 2009
ANNA WAUGH | Staff Writer
http://www.dallasvoice.com/fw-woman-alleges-kicked-dollar-general-store-transgender-10132568.htmlFORT WORTH — Teresa Cross has been a frequent shopper at the Dollar General store near her home since last fall.
But when she went into the store on Saturday, Nov. 3, she said she was kicked out of the store after she corrected an employee about her gender identity.
Now Cross says she plans to file a complaint under the city's nondiscrimination ordinance, which was amended to include transgender protections following the Rainbow Lounge raid three years ago. She also said she's looking into the possibility of filing a lawsuit against Dollar General and hopes the company will learn from the ridicule she endured and make employees undergo sensitivity training.
"They just don't know any better and they need to be educated," she said, adding that no one should have to go through a similar experience. "I think I have restitution coming to me for pain and suffering and humiliation."
Joel Mallory, Cross' attorney, said he is reviewing her case to decide the best approach. There is no state or federal law prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity — or even gender — in public accommodations.