Rachel Levine makes history as first transgender U.S. Assistant Health Secretary

Dr. Rachel Levine was confirmed by the Senate as the nation’s assistant secretary for health on Wednesday, overcoming Republican opposition as she rose to the highest federal post ever occupied by an openly transgender person.

Levine, the former Pennsylvania health secretary, faced a testy confirmation battle, and received support from only two GOP senators: Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine). The final vote was 52-48.

Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary in the Department of Health and Human Services (Caroline Brehman/)

Levine, a 63-year-old pediatrician, had led Pennsylvania’s department of health since 2017. Her candidacy for the position at the U.S. Health and Human Services Department faced opposition from religious rights groups, and met criticism of her handling of the pandemic in the Keystone State.

And Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), himself a doctor, drew outcry with pointed remarks during Levine’s confirmation hearing last month. He asked her about her support of hormone therapy for minors, and he raised the specter of “genital mutilation.”

“Do you believe that minors are capable of making such a life-changing decision as changing one’s sex?” he said.

Levine told Paul she would welcome a discussion of transgender medicine at his office. She said the field is “complex and nuanced” and has “robust research and standards of care.”

Her historic confirmation was hailed by LGBTQ organizations Wednesday evening.

Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement that Wednesday represented an “inspiring day for the LGBTQ community, particularly transgender people, who are finally able to see themselves reflected at the highest levels of our government.”

David added in the statement that “we are one step closer to a government that mirrors the beautiful diversity of its people.”

With News Wire Services