LGBTQ+
The Department of Human Resources (DHR) is committed to fostering an accepting and welcoming environment for all employees, no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. As part of this mission, DHR has developed a variety of programs, policies, and trainings that are specifically designed to support and champion our LGBTQ+ employee population.
RELATED POLICIES
Pronouns
As acknowledged by the LA County Board of Supervisors, October 20, 2021, is recognized as International Pronouns Day. As part of that recognition, DHR launched its personal pronoun campaign. As part of that campaign, Countywide communication was disseminated to encourage the sharing of personal pronouns and to provide the following helpful toolkit.
In the English language, pronouns are inherently gendered. When we assume that we know which pronouns someone uses, we are also making assumptions about a person’s gender. Being referred to with the correct pronouns (e.g., he, she, they) is equally important as being called by our correct name.
DHR seeks to make personal pronouns commonplace, as it is necessary in creating a respectful, open and accepting workplace. By asking “What pronouns do you use?” and by using people’s pronouns and sharing your pronouns during introductions, you are helping to create a more respectful, accepting and affirming environment for everyone.
PRONOUNS TOOLKIT
- Board Proclamation on International Pronouns Day in LA County
- What are personal pronouns and why do they matter?
- 4-Minute Video: Becoming a Pro at Pronouns
- Pronoun Signature Line Samples
Lived Names
As an inclusive and employee-friendly workplace, the County supports employees who wish to be recognized by their lived name in the workplace. An employee’s lived name refers to the name they choose to use when interacting with colleagues, clients, and individuals in their personal lives. Meaning, lived names may not be consistent with a person’s legal name. This can include, but is not limited to, a shortened version of the employee’s first name (e.g., Joe v. Joseph), and alias (e.g., Esteban v. Steven), a name to which an employee is in the process of legally changing, or a name that better represents the employee’s gender identity or expression.
Using the correct name and pronouns for a person has a powerful impact. For transgender and non-binary individuals, using the correct name and pronouns can help make them feel seen and heard in a way that affirms their identity. This also helps to build the inclusive, welcoming work environments all employees benefit from.
In an effort to capture data that reflects a more complete picture of both the residents we serve and our own employee population, the County has taken steps to broaden the information we collect and analyze, including collecting data on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI).
The standardization and collection of demographic information is essential to data analytics and informed care coordination. Just as the collection of race and ethnicity information identifies and informs targeted services to address disparities, the collection of SOGI data can help characterize the health and human service needs of the LGBTQ+ population and evaluate the health and human service efforts to address these needs, as well as improve the coordination of care.
What is SOGI/E? Well, it’s a social identity framework made up of a person’s Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression. Does LA County collect data on sexual orientation and gender identity? Is it necessary? Is it invasive? Is it my place to ask about someone’s SOGI? How do I do it tactfully? Why do we need this information anyway?
Find out the answer to these questions, and much more by attending a webinar on The Ins and Outs of SOGI Data Collection today! Click on the “Training” tab for additional details on registering for a webinar. LA County Office of CEO/CIO created a guide for sexual orientation and gender identity data collection. It can be accessed here.
COUNTYWIDE TRAINING
TRANSGENDER AWARENESS: WORKING WITH CONSTITUENTS & COLLEAGUES
This online training provides education on etiquette and accepted language for the transgender, nonbinary, and LGBTQ+ communities, to foster a more accepting and service-oriented work environment. This training provides an overview of some of the laws and policies on transgender rights, reviews terminology and key concepts, and shares best practices for an inclusive workplace.
1-hour online training, available at no cost to all County employees via the LMS, TalentWorks, here.
TRANSGENDER AWARENESS FOR MANAGERS & SUPERVISORS
This webinar is designed to assist managers and supervisors in understanding their role and responsibilities under Federal and State laws, and County policies that protect transgender employees from discrimination, harassment and inappropriate conduct. Managers and supervisors will get an overview of terminology and etiquette, a brief review of the concept of implicit bias, and best practices for creating an inclusive work environment for all employees.
4-hour live webinar training available as department-dedicated training, or employees can register for an open offering through the LMS, TalentWorks, here.
TRANSGENDER AWARENESS (NON-SUPERVISORY)
This webinar is designed to assist staff in understanding Federal and State laws, and County policies that protect transgender employees from discrimination, harassment, and inappropriate conduct. Employees will get an overview of terminology and etiquette, a brief review of the concept of implicit bias, and best practices for an inclusive work environment for all employees.
2-hour live webinar training for staff in non-supervising positions, available as department-dedicated training, or employees can register for an open offering through the LMS, TalentWorks, here.
SOGI TRAINING
SOGIE 101 – COMING SOON!
A web-based, self-guided training available to all County employees via the LMS, TalentWorks.
THE INS & OUTS OF SOGI DATA COLLECTION
Reporting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) information is difficult. Some individuals hesitate to report SOGI information due to fear of reprisal, skepticism over data collection methods, and even a perceived lack of acceptance and support from County departments. Addressing these concerns requires competency training and practice with data collection methodologies that emphasize confidentiality. Collecting SOGI data is essential in promoting inclusion and in making informed decisions that improve outcomes equitably for both the County workforce and its constituents.
3-hour live webinar training available as department-dedicated training. Register for one of the following workshops, here.
TRAINING MATERIALS
- Standardization of SOGI Data Collection
- The Ins and Outs of SOGI Data Collection – Slides
- The Ins and Outs of SOGI Data Collection – Script
- SOGI Data Collection Glossary of Terms
- Resources List with links
UDEMY TRAINING
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO TRANS 101
A web-based training that provides a solid foundation from which the journey of cultural competence can begin.
This 1.5-hour online training, available at no cost to all County employees via Udemy, here.
LGBT+ 101
A web-based training designed to help learners have good, respectful conversations on the topic of LGBT+.
This 1 hour and 15 minutes online training, available at no cost to all County employees via Udemy, here.
Check out DHR’s Udemy Learning page for additional details and offerings.
Resources
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES COMMISSION ON HUMAN RELATIONS
The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations is dedicated to promoting positive human relations in our richly diverse, multicultural county. The Commission works to develop programs that proactively address racism, homophobia, religious prejudice, linguistic bias, anti-immigrant sentiment, and other divisive attitudes that can lead to intercultural tension, hate crimes, and related violence.
Website: https://hrc.lacounty.gov/
UCLA WILLIAMS INSTITUTE SCHOOL OF LAW
The Williams Institute conducts independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.
Website: https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/
LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER
Since 1969, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBTQ individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond.
Website: https://lalgbtcenter.org/
GLAAD MEDIA REFERENCE GUIDE
GLAAD’s Media Reference Guide, now in its 11th edition, offers education and guidance on telling LGBTQ people’s stories in ways that bring out the best in journalism.
Website: https://glaad.org/reference#guide
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law.
Website: https://www.hrc.org/
THE NATIONAL LGBTQ TASK FORCE
The National LGBTQ Task Force is dedicated to achieving freedom and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer people, and their families through proactive, targeted, change-inducing initiatives.
Website: https://www.thetaskforce.org/
NATIONAL CENTER FOR TRANSGENDER EQUALITY
NCTE is a team of hard-working staff members supported by a nationwide community of transgender people, allies, and advocates with an extensive record of winning life-saving change for transgender people.
Website: https://transequality.org/
WHITE HOUSE EXECUTIVE ORDER ON ADVANCING EQUALITY FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, AND INTERSEX INDIVIDUALS
The White House pledges to combat unlawful discrimination and eliminate disparities that harm LGBTQI+ individuals and their families, defend their rights and safety, and pursue a comprehensive approach to delivering the full promise of equality for LGBTQI+ individuals, consistent with Executive Order 13988 of January 20, 2021 (Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation).
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION (CDC): COLLECTING SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY INFORMATION
Collecting SO/GI data in electronic health records (EHRs) is essential to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.
Website: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/clinicians/transforming-health/health-care-providers/collecting-sexual-orientation.html
