NDSU alumnus Joshua Boschee is featured in the new “50 States, 50 Heroes” list by The Advocate magazine.

The publication recognized him as the first openly gay person to be elected to the North Dakota legislature, and it acknowledged his service “on numerous boards, including the Fargo-Moorhead Coalition for Homeless Persons, Fargo Theater and the Council of Abused Women’s Services.”

Boschee earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from NDSU in 2003 and went on to earn his master’s degree in educational leadership in 2008. He is the sales manager for Hatch Realty, Fargo.

Elected as a state representative from Fargo in 2012, Boschee is a respected speaker across the state, often asked to address such issues as social justice, community engagement and political activism.

“It is certainly an honor to be recognized with this distinction for my work to ensure LGBT North Dakotans are able to live and work in our state, without the fear of losing their job or home because of who they are or who they love,” Boschee said. “I am thankful for the positive experiences NDSU provided me as a student, an employee and now as an alumnus. Without the amazing support from faculty, staff, administrators and students who participate in programs like NDSU’s Safe Zone project, I may not have been able to move forward as a leader on campus and in our community.”

Established in 1967, The Advocate magazine’s editorial focus is on news, politics, opinion, arts and entertainment of interest to lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people. It is the oldest and largest LGBT publication in the United States.

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