Biden Names Dr. Rachel Levine As Assistant Health Secretary, Would Be First Openly Trans Federal Office Holder

President-elect Joe Biden’s historically diverse cabinet has become even more notable for his recent nomination of Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine as his new assistant health secretary. Levine will be the first openly trans person to hold federal office if the Senate confirms her.

Levine is an expert on the opioid crisis, adolescent medicine, eating disorders, medical marijuana and LGBTQ medicine. She has served as Pennsylvania’s president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials since 2017. From her position, Levine has been one of Pennsylvania’s top health authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biden praised his nominee in a statement. “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 — and meet the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond,” he said.