Admiral Rachel L. Levine’s official portrait at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was recently altered during a government shutdown. This change took place under the current leadership of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, and it involved the removal of her legal name, replacing it with a previous name.
Background on Admiral Rachel L. Levine
Adm. Rachel Levine made history as the first transgender person to achieve Senate confirmation for the role of assistant secretary for health. She served under President Biden for four years and led the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. Levine’s portrait has been displayed since her confirmation in 2021, as part of a collection showcasing past leaders in the Public Health Corps at the HHS headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Alteration of the Official Portrait
According to Adrian Shanker, Levine’s spokesperson, the alteration of the portrait is viewed as an act of bigotry. Shanker previously served as the deputy assistant secretary for health policy during the Biden administration. He stated that the change reflects poorly on the current Office leadership, as it disrespects Levine’s achievements and the transgender community.
Reaction from HHS and the Community
The HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon addressed the alteration, asserting that HHS aims to reflect “gold standard science” and to undo policies perceived as harmful. Nixon mentioned a commitment to grounding public health practices in “biological reality.”
- Adm. Rachel L. Levine: First transgender official confirmed by the Senate as assistant secretary for health.
- Portrait Location: Humphrey Building, HHS headquarters, Washington, D.C.
- Current HHS Leadership: Adm. Brian Christine, confirmed in October.
Concerns About Transgender Representation
A staffer from HHS, speaking anonymously, described the portrait alteration as “disrespectful” and indicative of the ongoing erasure of transgender individuals within the current administration. This sentiment echoes the broader national conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, especially amid mentions of anti-transgender campaigns by political figures.
Public Health Contributions
Shanker emphasized Levine’s contributions in addressing major public health issues, including COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and drug abuse. He urged current HHS leaders to focus on addressing public health challenges rather than take vindictive actions against Levine.
