Trans Man Sues Chili’s in Chicago Suburb After Being Fired Over “Personal Values And Lifestyle”

Hudson Webber was certified to be assistant supervisor, and was solely terminated after administration turned conscious of their gender identification and expression.

Featured Image: Chili’s restaurant (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Hudson Webber, a transgender man and former assistant supervisor at a Chili’s Grill & Bar in Rosement, IL, is suing the corporate after being “unlawfully terminated because of their sex and gender identity on May 12, 2025.” According to that complaint, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Webber was “explicitly” informed by Store Manager, Martin Perez, that they have been being fired as a result of their “personal values and lifestyle values” didn’t align with the restaurant.

Webber was informed that the choice, which was ultimate, was made collectively by Perez and the Regional Manager. Webber was additionally informed that one other worker at a distinct location “would be terminated for the same reasons, further demonstrating a pattern of discriminatory decision-making.”

According to the criticism towards Brinker International, Inc. d/b/a Chili’s Grill & Bar, Webber was not requested about their sexuality or identification on the time of hiring – nor did they disclose such data throughout the hiring course of. The determination to terminate Webber was made solely after administration turned conscious of their gender identification and expression. In reality, not solely was Webber certified for his or her place as assistant supervisor, they met or exceeded efficiency expectations.

Related: A Man Mistook Her For Being Trans In A Walmart Bathroom—Then She Got Fired

The criticism states that the Defendant’s “conduct was intentional, discriminatory, and in reckless disregard of Plaintiff’s protected rights;” and that because of the Defendant’s actions, Webber suffered, and continues to undergo, lack of employment, lack of revenue, emotional misery, humiliation, and lack of enjoyment of life.

This isn’t the primary gender identity-related criticism introduced towards the meals chain. In 2019, Meagan Hunter, an worker at a Chili’s in Phoenix, utilized to a brand new coaching program to turn into a supervisor. After carrying a button-up shirt, pants and boat sneakers to a seminar to study extra about this system, in accordance with the ACLU, she was informed that the district supervisor had discovered her to be “inappropriately dressed” and that she wanted to “dress more gender appropriate.” Hunter was additionally informed she couldn’t put on a sure chef-style coat as a result of “it’s for boys.”

Image: Meagan Hunter, courtesy of ACLU, additionally alleged gender-related mistreatment at a Chili’s

“I didn’t look the part, so I was forced to quit,” Hunter stated in commentary she wrote for the ACLU. “I was planning to buy a home for the first time, and the pay increase would have helped a lot. I’m a single mother, so what I earn matters. I’m also a lesbian, a part of my identity that influences how I dress.”

“I am speaking out now to tell that manager — and every other person who thinks similarly — that women do not need to be stereotypically feminine in order to get a promotion or be an effective employee or manager.”

With an help from the ACLU of Arizona, Hunter filed a criticism with the EEOC. “The EEOC charge ultimately was resolved to the satisfaction of both parties,” in accordance with Ricardo Mimbela, Communications Strategist with the ACLU.