Posted on 03/25/2021 10:21:26 AM PDT by lightman
After becoming the first transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Dr. Rachel Levine said she’s “humbled” and thankful for those who have fought for equality for decades.
On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Levine’s nomination to serve as U.S. assistant health secretary. Levine formerly served as Pennsylvania’s health secretary and stepped down when President Joe Biden nominated her for the federal post.
Levine issued a statement thanking Biden for trusting her with the key position. She also thanked those who have supported her, particularly in the LGBTQ community.
“As I prepare to take my oath of office and begin serving as Assistant Secretary for Health, I would like to take this opportunity to address members of the LGBTQ community,” Levine said in the statement. “First, thank you. Only through your work and advocacy over many decades is my story possible. I am humbled to be the first transgender individual to serve in a Senate-confirmed position. As Vice President Harris has said, I recognize that I may be the first, but am heartened by the knowledge that I will not be the last.”
Levine credited those who paved the way.
“I will stand on the shoulders of those who came before - people we know throughout history and those whose names we will never know because they were forced to live and work in the shadows,” Levine said.
In addition, Levine offered a message of encouragement to transgender youth who may face bigotry.
“I know that each and every day you confront many difficult challenges,” she said. “Sadly, some of the challenges you face are from people who would seek to use your identity and circumstance as a weapon. It hurts. I know. I cannot promise you that these attacks will immediately cease, but I will do everything I can to support you and advocate for you.”
“President Obama often reminded us that not all progress goes in a straight line,” she said. “What I can tell you is that there is a place for you in America and in our government. Our ‘more perfect union’ includes you, too.”
Levine endured a host of transphobic insults during her time as Pennsylvania’s health secretary, particularly as she gained a higher profile in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Senate narrowly approved Levine’s confirmation by a 52-48 vote. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., voted to confirm Levine and was proud of her historic nomination.
“Throughout her long career in medicine and public service, she has demonstrated her deep knowledge of health care and public health and her skills as a manager,” Casey said in a statement.
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., voted against Levine’s nomination, citing the high number of deaths in nursing homes due to COVID-19 and her support for restrictions that hurt the state’s businesses.
Levine’s confirmation was lauded by LGBTQ advocates across the country. The Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ civil rights organization, hailed Levine’s confirmation with a post on social media: “History made.”
“Trans people are leaders, innovators and change-makers - and we deserve a seat at every table,” the HRC said.
Annise Parker, president & CEO of the LGBTQ Victory Institute, said Levine’s rise to the key post in the Biden administration carries significance beyond public health efforts.
“At a time when hateful politicians are weaponizing trans lives for their own perceived political gain, Dr. Levine’s confirmation lends focus to the contributions trans people make to our nation and deflates absurd arguments calling for their exclusion,” Parker said in a statement. “Her experience leading the health department in Pennsylvania will serve our country well and her unique perspective regarding healthcare for trans people will be invaluab
Ya damnd freakshow
As a Pennsylvanian I’m glad and relieved that the rest of the U.S. is going to see what we were subjected to (and subjugated by) in the Keystone State for the entire past year.
Not really a surprise at all.
You know, not too long ago calling some guy dickless was an insult.
Yes, but it was Roman emperor Joe Caligula himself that appointed a horse to the Senate....
Humbled to be the first MENTALLY ILL man to be in a cabinet!
There's more than a couple of horses hindparts in the US Senate.
*snort*
He should have been kicked in the nuts as part of his confirmation. If he doubles over in pain? Next!
Is Biden trying for the Ugliest Cabinet, EVAH?
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