Posted on 07/22/2020 2:24:58 PM PDT by lightman
Gov. Tom Wolf spoke out in defense of Dr. Rachel Levine Wednesday and assailed the Bloomsburg Fair fundraising event that mocked Pennsylvania’s health secretary.
Levine, a transgender woman, has been a target of slurs in recent months as she’s gained increasing visibility in the Wolf Administration’s efforts to combat the coronavirus. The governor denounced the “hate and transphobia” that has emerged in recent months.
The latest controversy emerged after photos were shared from at a fundraiser held at the Bloomsburg Fair. The fundraiser, which was organized to raise money for area fire companies, included a dunk tank where a man wore a dress and wig, and a post to the Bloomsburg Fair Association Facebook page indicated the man was meant to resemble Dr. Levine.
Wolf leveled sharp criticisms at the fair and urged Pennsylvania residents to speak out against discriminatory remarks aimed at the transgender community.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought hate and transphobia into the spotlight through relentless comments and slurs directed at Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, who is a highly skilled, valued, and capable member of my administration and Transgender,” Wolf said in a statement Wednesday. “The derogatory incident involving the Bloomsburg Fair is the latest of these vile acts, which by extension impact Transgender people across the commonwealth and nation.”
I want to talk about the transphobic incident involving the Bloomsburg Fair.
This is the latest in a relentless series of vile slurs directed at Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine — a highly skilled and accomplished member of my administration. — Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) July 22, 2020
The Bloomsburg Fair Association’s Facebook post was deleted Monday, but it gained widespread attention and criticism.
“Dr. Levine? Thank you you were a hit and raised a lot of money for the local fire companies. Wonder why so many were trying to dunk you,” said the Bloomsburg Fair Association’s post, which included a smiley-face emoji.
Earlier this week, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., said Levine “is owed an apology.” Bloomsburg University also issued a statement condemning the fair’s post.
Dr. Levine is an honorable public servant whose tireless work to keep PA safe and healthy has saved countless lives. She is owed an apology. https://t.co/VMzwuDn6Ue — Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) July 21, 2020
Fair officials initially said the man in the dunk tank, a local fire chief, intended to look like Marilyn Monroe. Then in a news conference Tuesday, fair officials apologized to Levine and the event’s sponsors and supporters, saying they meant no harm.
“A fellow dressed up in a dress to get people to throw balls at the dunk tank to raise money. It turned into where people thought we were offending Dr. Rachel Levine, and that was no intention at all,” Fair President Randy Karschner said in a report by the Associated Press.
Fair organizers called it “a serious lapse in judgment.”
Wolf said jokes aimed at mocking transgender individuals can be harmful.
“Hate has no place in Pennsylvania, even in the smallest transphobic joke, action or social media post,” Wolf said in his statement. “I’m calling upon all Pennsylvanians to speak out against hateful comments and acts, including the transphobia directed at Dr. Levine and all Transgender people in our great commonwealth.”
Rafael Álvarez Febo, executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, assailed the fair’s actions and spoke out on Levine’s behalf.
“The leadership of the Bloomsburg Fair knew they were catering to Transphobic sentiments when they chose to impersonate Dr. Levine,” Álvarez Febo said.
“Marginalized communities know when we are being targeted and will not be gas-lit into thinking this was just about Dr. Levine’s position as Secretary of Health,” the statement continued. “In times of crisis and pain LGBTQ individuals are united in pushing back against Transphobia of any kind. Commissioners believe that the health and safety of Pennsylvanians should not be undermined due to these toxic and personal attacks.”
The commission previously issued a statement of support of Levine last month in the wake of “vile and toxic transphobia.”
In a news conference Tuesday, Levine said she aims to concentrate on her job and dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am going to stay, no matter what happens, laser-focused on protecting the public health in Pennsylvania,” Levine said at an event at WellSpan York Hospital on Tuesday. “Our vision at the Pennsylvania Department of Health is a healthy Pennsylvania for all. And I’m going to do absolutely everything I can to achieve that, whether people agree with me, or if they don’t agree with me. Their health is still important to me.”
Wolf praised Levine for her work during the pandemic, even as she has endured “hate-fueled attacks.”
“Dr. Levine is a distinguished and accomplished public servant,” Wolf said. “She is committed to keeping Pennsylvanians safe and healthy, even those who direct hate-fueled attacks at her. I’m proud of the work she has done in her five years serving Pennsylvanians, and her success at leading our commonwealth during the COVID-19 crisis is a testament to her intelligence and work ethic
Ridicule is one of the best tools in our box.
I almost always refer to:
The NY Governor as Cuomotose.
The NJ Governor as Smurphy.
The MI Governor as Whitless.
The CA Governor as Nusomlini.
But for our esteemed Secretary of Health on the full name will do:
Dr. (Dickless) “Rachel” Levine.
And our Governor howls.
“ Ridicule is a weapon.
I don’t ridicule the struggle with addictions, mental illness, nor appearance that came factory installed.
Politics and other behavior, sure.
I read recently that there are some serious arrears for child support levied against Levine.
(Trying to avoid pronouns!)
I don’t remember Weaselface Wolf being all boo-hoo when they were murdering Donald Trump by proxy every night in Central Park.
Yes but they’re likely liberal so they might think its an accomplishment !
It is a man with significant mental illness. How pathetic .
MD as in “mentally disturbed “???
Agree !
You only need to know one thing:
LAST YEAR IT WAS TRUMP IN THE DUNK TANK
Nobody complained.
I call It “Glen or Glenda”.
“...his therapy was going nowhere.”
The Democrat Party is the home of FRAKS and CREEPS PLUS being EVIL and VILE!
A chick with a Dick!!! LOL!!!!!
He actually had PATIENTS??? WHAT kind of parents would allow their child to be TOUCHED by this FREAK??
~Hitch-hiked her way across the U.S.A.
Plucked her eyebrows on the way
Shaved her legs and then he was a she~
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