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Rachel LevinUS Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, First Transgender in Biden Administration
Date of Birth: 01.01.1957
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Rachel Levine, the First Openly Transgender Federal Official
- Medical Career and Transition
- Advocacy and Public Health
- Pennsylvania Secretary of Health
- Appointment to Biden Administration
- Legacy
Rachel Levine, the First Openly Transgender Federal Official
Early Life and EducationRachel Levine was born as Richard Levine on October 28, 1957, in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Levine attended a private Jewish school in Boston and played on the varsity hockey and soccer teams. Despite feeling discomfort with her assigned gender, Levine excelled in sports and academics.
Medical Career and Transition
After graduating medical school, Levine married and had two children. In her forties, Levine decided to transition to her authentic gender identity. She underwent gender-affirming surgery in 2011 and changed her name to Rachel in 2012.
Advocacy and Public Health
As a medical professor specializing in adolescent medicine, Levine became an outspoken advocate for transgender youth. She encouraged them to embrace their identities and seek support. In 2015, she became the first transgender person to be confirmed by a state senate as Pennsylvania's Physician General.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health
In 2017, Levine was appointed Pennsylvania's Secretary of Health. She gained national recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for her handling of the crisis. However, her decision to remove her mother from a nursing home during the pandemic sparked controversy.
Appointment to Biden Administration
President Biden nominated Levine to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Health in March 2021. Her confirmation made her the first openly transgender federal official in American history. Biden praised Levine's leadership and experience in addressing healthcare disparities.
Legacy
Rachel Levine's appointment is a testament to the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and recognition. As a trailblazing official, she continues to advocate for equity and inclusion within the healthcare system and beyond.
