Oregon Health Authority Panel Member Identifies as a Turtle, Sparks Debate

A member of Oregon’s Health Authority (OHA) Consumer Advisory Council (OCAC), a state panel advising the OHA director on mental health best practices and policies, identifies as a turtle, sparking controversy and raising questions about the selection process for such advisory roles. JD Holt, who also uses the name JD Terrapin on Facebook, is one of approximately two dozen "consumers" serving on the OCAC.

The OCAC, established by administrative statute, is appointed by OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi, who was appointed by Oregon’s Governor Tina Kotek. The council’s primary function is to advise Director Hathi on the state’s mental health service provision, including investigations and reviews of current practices.

Holt publicly announced their pronouns during a December 20 OCAC meeting, stating, "Hello everybody, it’s JD. I use they, them and turtle for my pronouns. I’m in the Springfield-Eugene area and I get to be part of the council."

The concept of "turtlegender," as described by Gender Wiki, a website dedicated to documenting non-binary genders, is a "xenogender identity in which one feels a gendered connection to turtles." The site further explains that individuals identifying as turtlegender may feel their gender is replaced by a turtle or that their gender is best described through the use of turtles. Another OHA member during a Dec. 17 meeting, introduced themselves as "Luke A Shooting Star."

The OHA has defended the appointment, asserting that every member of the OCAC and the perspectives they bring are "highly valued." OHA spokesperson Amber Shoebridge stated that, in accordance with Oregon statute, each OCAC member possesses lived experience and brings the voice and experiences of people across the state who have faced behavioral health challenges.

Appointment Process and Council Duties

According to Shoebridge, the appointment process for OCAC members involves a collaborative effort between existing council members, a seven-member committee appointed by the council, and the OHA director, who ultimately makes the final decision. Selected members are intended to represent independent, consumer-run organizations, consumer-run advocacy organizations, and consumer-operated advisory councils active or headquartered in Oregon.

The duties of the OCAC are extensive and include the authority to "investigate," "evaluate," and "recommend" improvements to the state’s behavioral health resources. The OCAC develops an annual working plan with recommendations and goals and is empowered to establish committees to investigate specific areas of interest related to behavioral health services. The council’s governing rules were recently updated last year, and state legislators have previously taken steps to strengthen the council’s role in shaping decisions on mental health service policies.

The OHA did not disclose the specific budget allocated to the OCAC in time for publication. However, the agency’s overall budget for the 2023-2025 biennium is substantial, totaling $35.8 billion.

Each council member serves a two-year term and is eligible for reelection once, as stipulated by the administrative statute establishing the panel.

Concerns and Criticisms

The appointment of an individual identifying as a turtle to a state panel advising on mental health policies has drawn criticism and sparked debate. Some question the relevance of such an identity to the expertise required for advising on complex mental health issues. Others have voiced concerns about the potential for political agendas to influence the council’s recommendations.

Critics have also pointed to Holt’s public Facebook posts, which reportedly promote "anarchist" causes and encourage obstruction of immigration enforcement actions. In a January 29 Facebook post, Holt allegedly urged people to yell and scream at federal immigration authorities to make their jobs "difficult and uncomfortable."

These concerns raise questions about the vetting process for OCAC members and whether their personal beliefs and affiliations align with the council’s mission to provide unbiased and objective advice on mental health policies. The fact that OHA and its director have not responded to questions amplifies the concern.

Defense of the Appointment

Supporters of the appointment argue that individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives can contribute valuable insights to the discussion of mental health policies. They contend that lived experience with mental health challenges is a crucial qualification for OCAC members and that Holt’s identification as a turtle should not disqualify them from serving on the council.

Proponents also emphasize the importance of inclusivity and representation in government advisory bodies. They argue that individuals from marginalized communities, including those with non-traditional gender identities, should have a voice in shaping policies that affect their lives.

The Broader Context

This controversy unfolds within a broader context of ongoing debates about gender identity, political correctness, and the role of identity politics in public life. It also highlights the tension between the desire for diverse representation in government and the need to ensure that advisory bodies possess the expertise and objectivity required to provide sound policy recommendations.

This situation in Oregon also shares similarities to a controversy in Loudoun County, Virginia, where a teacher identifying as a cat became the subject of intense debate and scrutiny, highlighting the national scope of these types of situations.

The Path Forward

Moving forward, it is crucial for the OHA to address the concerns raised about the appointment process for OCAC members and to ensure that all members are qualified and committed to providing objective and unbiased advice on mental health policies. Transparency and accountability are essential for maintaining public trust in the council’s work.

The OHA should also clarify the role of personal beliefs and affiliations in the selection process and establish clear guidelines for ensuring that members’ political activities do not compromise their ability to serve impartially.

Ultimately, the success of the OCAC depends on its ability to provide sound, evidence-based recommendations that improve mental health services for all Oregonians. This requires a commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and a focus on the well-being of the individuals and communities served by the state’s mental health system.