A transgender client of the Human Resources Administration who claims she was demeaned and humiliated by New York City officials can proceed with a lawsuit alleging violations of the state and city human rights laws, a judge in Manhattan has held.

Supreme Court Justice Margaret Chan (See Profile) denied the city’s dismissal motion, finding no explanation “other than abject discriminatory reasons” for the way in which the woman alleges she was treated by the Human Resources Administration (HRA).