HARRISBURG, Pa. - State Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, a transgender woman who’s been at the helm of Pennsylvania’s response to COVID-19, has largley deflected incidents of transphobia directed at her.
But recent events - including a man dressed as the secretary in a dunk tank at a Bloomsburg carnival, and a derogatory menu item named after Levine at a restaurant in Tioga County - changed that.
Levine called on all Pennsylvanians to take a stand against transphobia and promote acceptance.
As for the personal impact, Levine says she has, quote, “no room in her heart for hate,” and will continue working to help all Pennsylvanians.