I See You! Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Policy and Training Implementation. The session will focus on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) policy implementation plan. The presenters will share how they have collaborated with Community-Based Organizations and fellow Counties to draft a policy that promotes inclusivity. Presenters will share how they have leveraged social media platforms to ensure all imagery is inclusive and reflects the diversity of all customers served. The session will include how DPSS promotes a policy that is proactively leading change and cultivating a workforce culture that adheres to non-conforming practices such as using pronouns and asking customers how they wish to be addressed. Presenters will share key strategies of how DPSS demonstrates inclusive and affirming practices by displaying “safe-space” and “all are welcome” signs in all threshold languages in each of our public-facing offices to affirm alliance with the LGBTQ+ community. Further, trainers will share the department’s continued commitment as a welcoming and affirming department which embraces differences, including race, ethnicity, disability, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The result is an enhanced customer experience for thousands of LGBTQ+ residents served at nearly 60+ DPSS offices across Los Angeles County.

• Marcia Blachman – Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services Los Angeles County DPSS, Civil Rights and ADA Coordinator

  Angelica Centeno – Los Angeles County, Department of Public Social Services Civil Rights Compliance Manager