Dr. Rachel Levine Is Now First Trans 4-Star Admiral in U.S. History

Executive Director of PhillyGayCalendar

Assistant Secretary for Health, and former Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health,  Dr. Rachel Levine is making history again.

Levine is being sworn in as a four-star admiral, making her the first transgender four-star officer in all eight of the uniformed services. Admiral Levine will also be the first female four-star admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

Levine’s historic nomination to be Assistant Secretary for Health at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was quickly followed with the distinction of being the first transgender federal official to be confirmed. The vote to confirm her nomination was bipartisan.

There are only 44 other four-star active-duty officers in all of the uniformed services.

In an interview with LGBTQ Nation, Levine stressed that her appointment “symbolizes progress.”

 

 

“I am humbled to serve as the first female four-star officer of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and first openly transgender four-star officer across any of the eight uniformed services. This is a momentous occasion and I am pleased to take this role for the impact I can make, and for the historic nature of what it symbolizes. May this appointment be the first of many like it as we create a more inclusive future.”

“We have a unique opportunity with President Biden and Vice President Harris for equity, fairness, and inclusiveness for all aspects of life but especially for the LGBTQ community, I have always been proud to advocate for the LGBTQ community and serve as a role model that everything is possible and there are no limitations. I hope this really inspires LGBTQ youth.”

“What’s critically important is the strong support of the administration for equity and diversity for LGBTQ individuals. We have a president who sees us and advocates on our behalf.”
Admiral Dr. Rachel Levine
U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps
“Admiral Levine’s historic appointment as the first openly transgender four-star officer is a giant step forward towards equality as a nation,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra added. “This is a proud moment for us at HHS. Admiral Levine — a highly accomplished pediatrician who helps drive our agency’s agenda to boost health access and equity and to strengthen behavioral health — is a cherished and critical partner in our work to build a healthier America.”
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