# Hooters Under Fire: Trans Woman Sues for Discrimination
A transgender woman is taking legal action against a Hooters franchise, claiming she was denied a job because of her identity.
Brandy Livingston, a familiar face at the restaurant known for its revealing outfits, is determined to fight back.
The establishment, located on Wolf Road in Colonie, a suburb of Albany, New York, has become the center of a heated controversy.
Livingston alleges that her applications to work at Hooters were rejected three times.
According to her, this was not due to a lack of qualifications, but because of discrimination against her as a transgender woman.
“They would use male pronouns. They would refer to me as he,” she recounted, revealing the disrespect she faced.
In an interview with News10, she shared her frustration at being dismissed based on her appearance.
“I asked if they wanted to see my experience, but I was told, ‘We hire on the basis of personality. There’s an image that needs to be met,’” she claimed.
This alleged rejection based on “image” raises serious questions about the hiring practices at Hooters.
But the story doesn’t end there; the harassment she experienced continued even after her job applications.
Brandy recounted overhearing a server question why she was allowed in the women’s restroom.
“The manager said, ‘Oh, I don’t like it any more than you do,’” she recalled, revealing a culture of intolerance.
Feeling cornered, Livingston filed a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights.
**The Backstory**
Their investigation suggested that her rights may have been violated, prompting the legal battle.
Hooters has countered these allegations, claiming Livingston was banned from the restaurant due to offensive behavior.
Their legal team asserted that she had previously made sexually explicit comments to staff.
In a shocking twist, the chain accused her of asking servers to marry her and discussing masturbation.
“That’s not true,” Brandy said, defending her character.
She suggested that perhaps a misunderstanding stemmed from conversations she had with her dad about shooting at a gun range.
“I never said anything about that in a threatening way,” she insisted.
The accusations from Hooters have painted a complicated picture of the situation.
As the legal proceedings unfold, both sides are preparing for a hearing scheduled for next September.
Despite the turmoil, Livingston remains focused on her true goal.
“What I really want is an apology,” she stated emphatically.
“I’m never going to get that,” she added, highlighting her deep disappointment.
This case is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the transgender community.
**The Hook**
For many, Hooters represents not just a restaurant, but an image that can feel exclusionary.
Livingston’s experience speaks to broader issues of acceptance and respect in workplaces.
She hopes her fight will resonate beyond her personal struggle, highlighting the need for change.
The public is now watching closely as the hearing approaches.
Will Hooters defend its image at the expense of inclusion?
Or will Brandy’s courageous stand prompt a reevaluation of policies and practices?
One thing is certain: this case is about much more than just a job.
It embodies the quest for dignity, respect, and equality in the workplace.
As the story unfolds, both Brandy Livingston and Hooters find themselves at a crossroads in a very public battle.