SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has hired what officials say is the first ever coordinator for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender veterans.
The Statesman Journal reports that Nathaniel Boehme will provide outreach and assistance to LGBT veterans in the state. He introduced himself to the Legislature on Wednesday.
The Legislature created the position, which is believed to be the first official resource for LGBT veterans in the country, in 2015.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Cameron Smith says the state doesn’t track the number of LGBT veterans, but that targeting outreach to underrepresented groups helps the community overall.
Boehme started training on May 16. He says his first goal is to figure out the needs of the state’s LGBT veterans.
