Admiral Rachel L. Levine, a leading figure in public health, has garnered attention as the assistant secretary for health under the Biden administration since her Senate confirmation in March 2021. Notably, she is recognized as the highest-ranking openly transgender official in U.S. history.
During her tenure at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Levine has witnessed a significant rise in anti-trans legislation, with 25 states implementing bans on gender-affirming care for youth. These laws, alongside restrictions on bathroom use and participation in sports for transgender individuals, underscore a troubling trend toward increased marginalization of the transgender community.
As the presidential campaign heated up, Levine’s image was controversially featured in Republican advertisements aimed at linking the Biden administration to progressive policies. Despite being thrust into the political spotlight, Levine’s focus remains firmly on public health initiatives.
Levine, a pediatrician with a focus on adolescent medicine, has been actively promoting vaccination campaigns, including a newly launched initiative aimed at improving childhood vaccination rates, which have been declining. She emphasizes the critical role of vaccines, recalling her experiences during the 1980s when serious bacterial infections in children were common, but have since been nearly eradicated thanks to immunizations.
Throughout her career, Levine has remained dedicated to public health, advocating for initiatives that address climate change, the HIV epidemic, and the importance of nutrition. As she reflects on her time in office, she expresses optimism about the future of trans rights and public health efforts in the U.S., despite the challenges posed by recent political developments.
Levine will step down from her position on Inauguration Day and plans to return to central Pennsylvania, where she aims to take a vacation and contemplate her next steps. Her contributions to public health, along with her advocacy for the transgender community, will leave a lasting impact as the nation navigates these contentious times.
