OERJ Commemorates Pride

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By the Office of Equity and Racial Justice

Last week the County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation recognizing Pride Month. As we celebrate this honor, the Office of Equity and Racial Justice would like to take the opportunity to highlight some of the history and efforts of our County as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. 

San Diego has been celebrating Pride since 1974 as thriving and diverse LGBTQ+ community. The County’s LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group has over 60 members, and multiple County departments will be represented in July’s Pride parade. Belonging and equity are among the County’s core values, and we support and respect our LGBTQIA+ employees by creating a workplace where every employee can be their authentic self.  

But this Pride, it’s not enough to say that we support the LGBTQIA+ community – we must voice our support for trans and nonbinary people to stand up against the hateful and dehumanizing rhetoric and acts. In recent years, there has been a backlash against certain members of the LGBTQIA+ community across the country. Transgender and nonbinary people have lived in cultures and societies throughout human history, but they have increasingly become targets of hate crimes and physical violence. We know that events in recent years have made it even more important to bolster the County’s mission of promoting a just, sustainable and resilient future for all.

This spring, the CAO directed the Office of Equity and Racial Justice to form a Gender Identity and Expression Working Group which has been exploring how our organization could increase belonging among trans and nonbinary employees and community members. They will produce recommendations later this summer. And the County has many resources and learning opportunities for all employees:

  • Two sessions of an LMS webinar, “Creating an Inclusive Culture for Transgender and Non-Binary Employees and Customers.” Register for the virtual sessions on July 27 and Sept. 19, which are hosted in partnership with TransFamily Support Services. While all employees are welcome, the first is geared towards supervisors.

  • This video from the University of Central Florida explains different aspects of gender identity and expression, how they impact all of us, and how challenging binaries can create more space for everyone to be themselves.

  • The County has a Pronoun Policy to create an affirming environment for all employees. Learn how to use gender pronouns and learn how to practice gender inclusive language in your communications and work.

If you would like more information or to join the Gender Identity and Expression Working Group, please contact Mica Miragliotta or Vanessa Green.