FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday nominated Pennsylvania health secretary Rachel Levine for assistant secretary of health at HHS, making her the first openly transgender federal official to be up for Senate confirmation.
The ACLU of Mississippi had the following to say:
"Representation of LGBTQ+ people across government is not only important for diversity, but also for equity. Since there are structural barriers that have long prevented transgender people from access and agency, this will be a move towards progress.
Under the Trump administration, transgender service members and students have faced more risks because of anti-trans policies. As we move into a new administration, it is refreshing that there will be a transgender person in a vital position such as Assistant Health Secretary. However, while Biden's appointment of Rachel Levine is a step in the right direction, the new administration must continue to make decisions that will create inclusion and eventually belonging for LGBTQ+ people across the country.
It is not enough to just bring representatives into positions of power. They must be respected, accepted, and valued. We hope this historic appointment will have impact on our work to ensure Mississippians of all gender identities and sexual orientations have access to fair housing and healthcare."
