Former Bath & Body Works Manager Alleges Discrimination Over Pronoun Use

A former manager at a Bath & Body Works store in Layton, Utah, claims she was terminated for not using a transgender colleague’s preferred pronouns. Jocelyn Boden filed a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) after her dismissal in May, having worked for the company for three and a half years.

Boden, who identifies as a “respectful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” asserts that after she expressed her reluctance to use male pronouns for a new transgender employee, her coworkers began to marginalize her. She mentioned that while she was comfortable addressing a biological female colleague by her preferred name, she couldn’t bring herself to use male pronouns due to her religious beliefs.

According to the filing, complaints were lodged against Boden, leading HR to question her pronoun usage. Just two days before her firing, she had discussions with the district manager regarding her religious objections to the company’s pronoun policy.

Following these complaints, Boden was reportedly dismissed without any prior warning, which she claims violated the company’s disciplinary procedures. The termination notice referenced a code of conduct that prohibits negative behavior towards individuals based on gender, including aspects like sexual orientation and gender identity.

Boden’s filed complaint alleges that during an investigation, she acknowledged her non-compliance with the pronoun policy, which contributed to her immediate termination.

Her case is being represented by First Liberty, a legal organization based in Texas that advocates for religious freedom. They argue that Bath & Body Works has infringed upon Boden’s rights by retaliating against her for her beliefs and failing to accommodate her religion, creating what she describes as a “hostile work environment.”

Boden expressed serious concerns in her EEOC submission, stating, “I believe it’s dishonest to use pronouns that contradict my understanding of reality.” She emphasizes her conviction against using male pronouns for women based on her beliefs.

Generally, workplace discrimination claims like Boden’s must be processed through the EEOC prior to any potential court action.

The EEOC has stated that it cannot comment on active charges legally. A representative from Bath & Body Works responded, asserting that the company strictly follows employment law, maintaining a non-discriminatory workplace and equal employment opportunity.

Notably, Bath & Body Works received a perfect score in 2025 for inclusivity from a human rights campaign and has been recognized as a leader in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.