Oregon hires nation's first advocate for LGBT veterans

The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs has hired a coordinator for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender veterans — a position it says is the first of its kind nationwide.

Nathaniel Boehme is a third-generation airman who will provide outreach and assistance to Oregon's LGBT veterans, their spouses and dependents.

Boehme introduced himself to the Legislature on Wednesday at a joint meeting of the veterans and emergency preparedness committees.

The existence of the position "speaks volumes as to Oregon's commitment to veterans," he said to lawmakers.

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Boehme, who is gay himself, comes to the ODVA after working for the military and nonprofits, with experience helping veterans in housing crises.

He was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and is an active duty member of the Air National Guard. He has also earned a master's degree in sociology from Washington State University.

Being the first LGBT veteran's coordinator is a daunting task, Boehme said, but it's humbling to be selected.

The position was created by Senate Bill 946, which passed easily in 2015. More than $91,000 a year is appropriated for the job.

Boehme started May 16 and is still training. One of his first goals is to figure out the needs of Oregon's LGBT veterans.

ODVA Director Cameron Smith said the state doesn't track the number of LGBT vets like it does for other groups, but specific outreach to underrepresented veterans helps the community at large.

There is, however, a documented need for the position; the Portland area has the second-highest concentration of LGBT residents per capita outside San Francisco, Boehme said.

Smith added that of Oregon's 331,000 veterans, about 70 percent don't access their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits.

One of Boehme's responsibilities is making sure LGBT veterans have access to health care and other VA benefits.

Research shows that LGBT service members are more likely to experience physical and mental health problems related to the stress of deployment and reintegration compared to their heterosexual counterparts.

LGBT veterans with questions or seeking services are asked to email LGBTQVets@odva.state.or.us.

Send questions, comments or news tips togfriedman2@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6653. Follow on Twitter@GordonRFriedman.

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