1. Gender Equality in Cultural Orientation
The IRC in Atlanta

2. Gender Identity Definition
It is the complex interrelationship between an individual's sex (gender biology), one's internal sense of self (gender identity) as well as one's outward presentations and behaviors (gender expression) related to that perception, including their gender role.
The materials in this presentation were collected from:
Person-3.3-HI-RES.pdf

4. Gender Equality Goals

5. Gender Equality Goals What clients see…
What are some visual ways that clients can connect to gender equality through our day to day service?

6. Gender Equality Goals What clients hear…
What are some things we can inform our clients about to connect them with gender equality through our day to day service?

7. Gender Equality Goals What clients experience…
How can we, as IRC staff, create an environment that promotes and exhibits gender equality to the clients?
Photo E. Hockstein/IRC

8. Goals from IRC ATL Gender Equality Toolkit
What clients see…
Easily identifiable posters, fliers, and orientations about what a “safe space” is, what “equality” and “equal access” means, what LGBT rights and services are, women’s health information, and what gender-based violence resources and services are provided
Child friendly spaces in the lobby, cubicles, and other places that have staff-client interaction
What clients hear...
A unified and repeated explanation, across all departments, of client confidentiality, equal access, LGBT rights and resources, women’s health services and other services under Medicaid, and how to use and request interpretation
Consistent verbal check with all present adult clients, not just the principle applicant, on their understanding of materials and/or situations discussed and presented to them (M2-M7 cases, verbal check with the minor and their guardian)
Staff requests to see and/or hear from spouses and adults that do not come to the office in order to hear their progress, empower them to speak, and show that their voice matters
What clients experience…
An office culture that innately and explicitly promotes the integrity of equal client participation in the decision-making processes for R&P services and beyond
An office culture with a staff that holds each other accountable in meeting the aforementioned standards

9. Gender Equality Slides
Slides to incorporate into R&P orientations from the Gender Equality Toolkit Goals for IRC Atlanta

10. Rights to Remember
Human Rights: Human rights are universal: every human being is entitled to the same rights, no matter who they are or where they live.
LGBT/LGBTQIA RIGHTS: Individuals are to be treated equally and not discriminated against based on their sexuality. On June 26, 2015 same sex marriage was legalized in the United States. “LGBT” stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Ally.
Photo: S. Stacke/IRC

11. Safe Zone Safe Zone IRC Atlanta is a Safe Zone.
A Safe Zone, inclusive environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer individuals. The person displaying this symbol is educated about and sensitive to issues of gender and sexuality. This person will be understanding, supportive, and trustworthy if anyone needs help, advice, or just someone to talk to.
Figure 1: Rainbow brick wall. Adapted from Pixabay. Received from
Figure 1: Rainbow flag. Adapted from Pixabay. Received from
PRIDE FLAG: The rainbow flag, commonly referred to as the gay pride flag and LGBT pride flag, is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT/ LGBTQIA) pride and LGBT social movements.

12. EQUAL ACCESS and EQUALITY
Equality is ensuring individuals or groups of individuals are treated fairly and equally specific to their needs, including areas of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, ethnicity, sexual orientation and age.
Figure 1: Hands holding. Adapted from Pixabay. Received from

13. Equal Access
Equal Access means that every client, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, ethnicity, sexual orientation and age, has a right to access the resources and services that are provided to them by IRC Atlanta.

14. Mental Health Mental Health
Definition: The well-being or state of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions which affect your reactions
Emotional Distress
Definition: Emotional suffering defined as a loss of interest, sadness, hopelessness, feeling restless, tense, unable to sleep at night, having headaches, and a lack of energy.
How to access resources: Speak to your caseworker about the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing and a possible referral to a doctor.
Photo: K. Lane/IRC

15. Gender Based Violence Gender Based Violence
Definition: Physical, sexual, mental, or emotional pain inflicted on a woman, including threats of acts or harm or demanding behaviors that are against a woman’s will. This can also include childhood marriage, genital mutilation, sexual abuse, and domestic violence.
How to access resources: Speak to your caseworker or ask to speak to an employee from the Health and Wellness department. If you are experiencing violence at home right now, call the International Women’s House at   

16. Family Planning Family Planning
Definition: Family planning allows people and couples to plan out and space births, have a healthy pregnancy, increase the chance of having a baby, and find a way to delay or avoid a pregnancy.
How to access resources: Speak to your caseworker and he or she will help you to schedule an appointment at a clinic with a family planning doctor.
Photo: Kellie Ryan/IRC