Rachel Levine Becomes A Federal Officer, The Fate Of Transgender Americans Is Expected To Be Better

United States Deputy Health Secretary Rachel Levine. (Wikimedia Commons / Governor Tom Wolf)

JAKARTA - For the first time in the history of the United States government, the Senate has confirmed a transgender federal official, Rachel Levine, as Deputy Minister of Health.

Rachel passed a tight vote in the American Senate with a vote of 52-48. Two Republican Senators, Susan Collings of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined to vote for the Democrats.

"Rachel Levine's confirmation is another important milestone for America's LGBTQ community," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

"Because transgender Americans suffer higher rates of abuse, homelessness and depression than almost any other group. It's important to have a national figure like Dr. Levine, who in the public eye will help break down barriers of ignorance and fear," he continued.

The inauguration of Levine, who previously served as Pennsylvania Health Minister as well as a renowned doctor, was colored by the controversy over the question of Republican Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky.

"Dr. Levine, do you believe that underage children are capable of making the right decisions in changing life, changing sex as you do?" asked Paul, who started his question by saying, mutilating the genitals as a whole is condemned.

A question that drew criticism from the Democrat Party, because Paul was considered to have mistakenly interpreted the gender affirmation operation as genital mutilation. However, Levine still answered the question.

"Transgender medicine is a very complex field, with strong research nuances and a standard of care that has been developed," said Levine.

"If I am fortunate enough to be confirmed as Deputy Minister of Health, I will work closely with you and your office. Come to your office and discuss the details of standard of care for transgender treatment," he explained.

Dr. Rachel Levine is known to be a graduate of Harvard College and Tulane University School of Medicine, and completed her training in pediatric and adolescent medicine at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York.