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
Amen.
At least the horse was a real horse and probably had more intellect than the rest of the Senate.
How can you all be so hateful? Don’t you just want to cry when you see its beautiful face? This is history in the making. HISTORY. Time to get on the right side of it, bigots. </ s>
Spot the looney!!
“she”.
Nope. Wrong pronoun. The correct pronoun is, “it”.
He’s an incompetent boob... who just keeps getting higher positions despite his incompetence because he checks the right box...
Insane forget the whole I’m a woman nonsense, just on his merits he should have been booted
Sulu... an early adopter.
I still can’t get over Levine getting a high appointment, confirmed by the Senate. I look at him and think “clown,” rather than “authoritative figure.”
Another classic case of He Said, She Said.
Trans Fats.
Nothing like being the first queer.
I do not believe a male can suddenly decide he's female or visa-versa.
But I have no problem with a guy wearing a dress or otherwise dressing female. I know there's no law telling us how we must dress based on our sex.
Although I think it's stupid but still and so.../
I would ask the lovely Rachel....
Dear Rachel,
You look like an old guy who got drunk and decided to go out for Halloween dressed like an old woman.
Look at some other males dressing as female....Kaitlyn Jenner, for example.
You couldn't do better than that scraggly, horrible wig?
How about some more feminine glasses?
Has anybody shown you how to put a bit of make-up, not over-do it, but some face powder, a swipe of blush, a smidge of mascara and some lipstick for God's sake?
If you want to dress up like a woman you can't a bit more effort to look like one?
You like you are the subject of ridicule, not any kind of logical leader of LBGQ community.
Nonsense. It’s still a man even without the equipment. We don’t call men who have had stuff removed due to penile or testicular cancer women nor do we call a “he” Rottweiler a “she” when it’s been neutered. Your sex is found throughout your body. It’s in your chromosomes, it’s all over and impacts so many things beyond the genitals. A real sex change does not exist. These are delusional people and nothing more.
“Nope , not the first mentally is person to be appointed to a cabinet post.”
_________________________________________________________
Is it possible that he is the first person KNOWN TO BE MENTALLY ILL that has been appointed to a cabinet position?
Joe Biden is the first person allegedly elected to be president of the United States with a severe case of KNOWN DEMENTIA. This is how history well eventually report it.
What is his real name? I know it’s not Rachel.
Hes not the first anything....
Theres been lots of men in that office before him
Richard
I see my post got a rise out of you.
Whatever you Say.
I wasn’t the only one to correct you.
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