Oregon Veterans Break Their Silence In LGBTQ Documentary

PORTLAND, OR — The Portland Queer Documentary Film Festival this week will offer a special screening of "Breaking the Silence," a documentary feature that reveals what a handful of LGBTQ-identifying Oregon service members experienced during their time in active duty with the United States military.

Sponsored by the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs, "'Breaking the Silence' explores the lives of five Oregon veterans and service members, who not only served their country honorably, but were forced to serve in silence and at great risk to themselves, their careers and their families," ODVA LGBTQ veterans coordinator Nathaniel Boehme said in a statement.

Showtime for the film is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 18, at the Hollywood Theatre, located at 4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd. in Portland. After the show, four of the film's storytellers will sit down for a Q&A with the audience.

“The power of this film and these stories to my community is immeasurable, with ripples that spread far beyond the LGBTQ military family,” said Boehme, who was involved in the project from its inception. “This is a film about humanity and how so many brave people served their nation, even in the face of discrimination and outright hatred. We are honored to help bring these stories to a wider audience.”

Tickets for the show are $10. They can be purchased either at the door or online at qdocfilmfest.org. Attendees who are 23 and younger, 75 and older, or who are currently active duty or military veterans get in free.

Additionally, any LGBTQ veterans who need assistance or support, or who may have any questions about the benefits they’ve earned through their service to this nation, can contact Boehme at LGBTQVets@odva.state.or.us.

Image and YouTube video via Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs