Sexual harassment claims are covered under Title VII even if employees are of the same gender; however harassment based on sexual orientation is not covered under Title VII.

Question

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If a female employee can show that a female harassed her by calling her negative names, undermining her work productivity, spreading lies about her, or negatively commenting on her personality, actions, friends, speech, or clothing, as it relates to gender, and so on, then she can bring a claim under Title VII. If, however, the harassee is a lesbian and the harassment is in the form of something such as constantly calling her a lesbian, "dyke," or other derogatory terms related to her orientation; directing teasing, joking, and comments on homosexuality toward her; or persistently asking for dates or making sexual comments, based strictly on her status as a lesbian, then the harassee would not have a cause of action under Title VII, based on Oncale.

Sexual Harassment Claims Are Covered Under Title VII Even If