Dr Rachel Levine has been confirmed by the US Senate as Joe Biden’s assistant health secretary, making her the highest ranking out trans official in the country’s history, according to ABC News.
The Senate confirmed her position in a 52-48 vote, and she will now join the US health department to help tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.Levine was previously serving as a top health official in Pennsylvania and led the state’s response to the pandemic.
The Senate’s health committee chair, Patty Murray, praised Levine’s abilities, and congratulated the government for ‘reflecting the people it serves’, calling her appointment as health secretary a “historic” step forward.