Actually I'm pretty sure they do need a reason to fire you. Unlawful termination, and all that.
That's not to say you can't be fired for really petty stuff when there's a different, real motive behind it, of course.
In most of the US anyone can be fired for any reason, or no reason. But if they can make it look like you were incompetent, then they don't have to pay out on unemployment insurance.
Yes, this. "At will employment." That "make it look like you were at fault," thing only applies if you even qualify for unemployment....
Things are neither rosy, nor fair.... Even if you're fired for a prohibited reason, like race, religion, national origin, or sex, then you've gotta prove it.... Good luck, cause you'll need it. And, hey, after all, you're "clearly" faking it and just stirring up trouble, because "everyone knows that's all just bullshit...."
Yeah.... Problem.
I could write an entirely true book about shit people do to transgendered individuals and most of it would violate the COC of this website....
DO IT. No really If people don't know, then they need to know. You can publish under an assumed name or as anonymous.
Never underestimate the most powerful obstacle in society, human apathy/stupidity. "I don't give a shit." "I don't feel like it." "So what?" "Doesn't effect me." And those are from the people who aren't bigoted.... These people know half the world is starving and they don't care about that, or blame the starving people. Why would they care about this? After all, "just don't be gay...."