Dr. Levine was confirmed by the US Senate to be U.S. Asst. Secretary for Health;
Is highest-ranking out trans person to ever serve in the federal government;
Victory Institute’s Presidential Appointments Initiative pushed for her nomination
Washington, DC – Today LGBTQ Victory Institute – the only national organization dedicated to creating a pipeline of LGBTQ public leaders – applauded the historic confirmation of Dr. Rachel Levine to be the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health. Dr. Levine is now the first out transgender appointee ever confirmed by the U.S Senate and the highest-ranking out trans person to ever serve in the federal government.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Institute, said the following about her confirmation:
“President Biden committed to appointing our nation’s most qualified leaders to tackle the pandemic and he delivered in choosing Dr. Levine. Yet the importance of this moment extends well-beyond the health of our nation alone. 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. Her experience leading the health department in Pennsylvania will serve our country well and her unique perspective regarding healthcare for trans people will be invaluable.”
Ruben Gonzales, Executive Director of LGBTQ Victory Institute, spoke to the divisiveness some senators brought to the confirmation:
“Dr. Levine’s confirmation is an exciting, profound moment in our nation’s history and will be viewed as a milestone in our community’s march toward equality. While a bipartisan majority of senators voted with the best interests of our country in mind, a minority prioritized anti-trans hate over an honest review of Dr. Levine’s qualifications. Their vote to ride the extremist political winds of the moment will be judged in time, because history never looks fondly on those who vote on the side of bigotry.”
Victory Institute’s Presidential Appointments Initiative, which includes a coalition of more than 30 LGBTQ and allied organizations, was outspoken in urging the Biden administration to nominate Dr. Levine for a Senate-confirmed position because of her qualifications. The Initiative will put forward hundreds of exemplary LGBTQ candidates for positions throughout the administration and advocate for their consideration. It aims to help the Biden-Harris team create the most LGBTQ-inclusive administration in U.S. history.
About Victory Institute
LGBTQ Victory Institute works to achieve and sustain global equality through leadership development, training, and convening to increase the number, expand the diversity, and ensure the success of openly LGBTQ elected and appointed officials at all levels of government.
