Rachel Levine Sworn In As Nation's First Transgender 4-Star Officer
Dr. Rachel Levine has made history again, this time as the nation’s first openly transgender four-star officer.
Levine was appointed to full admiral on Tuesday while sworn in as the first-ever female four-star admiral to oversee the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. She is also now the first openly transgender four-star officer across any of the eight uniformed services.
Levine, who will lead 6,000 Public Health Service officers, became the first openly transgender federal official confirmed by the Senate back in March when she was appointed as assistant secretary in the Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to this, she served as Pennsylvania’s secretary of health and as a pediatrician.
I am deeply honored & grateful to join the ranks of men & women across this great nation who have committed to defend the United States against small & large threats, known and unknown. I promise to uphold that trust to the fullest extent of my abilities. https://t.co/ryfwRqbAoz
— ADM Rachel Levine (@HHS_ASH) October 19, 2021
Levine, speaking at her swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, called her appointment “an extraordinary honor and profound responsibility” and vowed to help the nation “continue to move the bar forward for diversity.”
“May this appointment today be the first of many more to come as we create a diverse and more inclusive future,” she said.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra called Levine’s appointment “a giant step forward towards equality as a nation.”
“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,” he said in a statement.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
Related...
GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert Slammed As ‘Hateful Bigot’ For Tweet About Transgender Official
Joe Biden Honors Transgender Day Of Visibility With Historic Proclamation
Pelosi Appoints First Black House Sergeant-At-Arms, Gen. William J. Walker
Biden Picks Rachel Levine As Assistant Health Secretary In Historic LGBTQ Moment
Dr. Rachel Levine Becomes First Transgender Official To Be Confirmed By The Senate
Pennsylvania's Health Secretary Chief Blasts Transphobic Attacks She's Faced
Pennsylvania's Health Secretary Faces 'Toxic Transphobia' Amid COVID-19 Crisis