Rachel Levine Is Slated To Become The First Openly Transgender Federal Official Ever
President-elect Joe Biden just selected Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine to be his assistant secretary of health.
The historic decision will make Levine the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, breaking a major glass ceiling.
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She is a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administration’s health efforts.
President-elect Joe Biden
According to AP, Levine was a pediatrician and the former Pennsylvania physician general before being appointed as Pennsylvania health secretary in 2017.
During her tenure, Levine was one of few transgender people serving in an elected or appointed position nationwide.
Now, she's making history as Biden's choice for assistant secretary of health.
"Dr. Rachel Levine will bring the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic — no matter their zip code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability," said Biden.
This isn't the first glass ceiling that the Biden administration has broken since his election.
In November, Biden appointed an all-female White House communications team, which emphasized the elevation of women to leadership roles in his administration.
And of course, Biden's running mate, Kamala Harris, will become the first-ever woman and woman of color to be vice president.
Harris called Levine, "a remarkable public servant with the knowledge and experience to help us contain this pandemic, and protect and improve the health and well-being of the American people."