Dr. Rachel Levine First Trans Woman to be Appointed U.S. Admiral

Dr. Rachel Levine is the first trans woman to be appointed a four-star admiral. She was appointed recently by the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHSCC), according to them.

The USPHSCC is a coalition of around 6,000 heads that the government uses to respond to any health crises that may arise, such as the pandemic we’re currently dealing with, or in an effort to assess damage caused by natural disasters and to aid people impacted by them. Levine is also the first four-star admiral to be female, according to Washington Post.

Groups such as GLAAD and healthcare leaders openly and widely supported this motion, and such groups called it a breakthrough moment and celebrate the progress.

In an interview, Levine made a specific point that her ascension to the position of admiral “was not just symbolic … I’m doing this because of my dedication to service … [and] with the utmost respect and honor for the uniform that I will be wearing,”  referring to the blue uniform that she would immediately don.

Public health services is only one of eight other service splinters of the government, and it differs from other types of uniformed service by only focusing on health-related issues.

Levine was previously Pennsylvania’s health secretary, and this was her first time serving in the commissioned corps.

“I am pleased to take this role for the impact I can make, and for the historic nature of what it symbolizes,” continues Levine. “May this appointment be the first of many like it as we create a more inclusive future.”

Some question the worthiness of this celebration, however, namely Representative Tom Fitton, who writes on Facebook, “Biden gang playing quota politics with public health service.”

The validity of this being a historic milestone undeniably deserves recognition, regardless of how respectable your opinion on transgender people is.