Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Rachel Levine stated in an interview that gender reassignment procedures for minors should be considered "mental health care," as in her view they are "literally suicide prevention care."
The assistant secretary for health also reaffirmed the idea that the celebration of LGBT Pride Month should extend the entire summer season and be called the "Summer of Pride."
It's such an important issue for our youth and adults. ... We often say that gender-affirming care is health care ... Gender-affirming care is mental health care, and gender affirming care is literally suicide prevention care.
Biden's assistant secretary for health says "gender-affirming care" for minors — meaning irreversible sex reassignment surgeries and puberty blockers — is "mental health care" pic.twitter.com/Wsyw6WiFaP
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 26, 2023
Despite many health specialists warning about the irreversible side effects of gender reassignment procedures on children, Levine, who is a trans man, has consistently defended them.
A few months ago, Levine commented at an event organized by the Department of Education that these treatments or surgeries on minors are "medically necessary, safe, and effective." Levine further noted, quoting White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, that trans identity is a child's "superpower."
Your identity is not your weakness, it is your superpower. ... We all have superpowers, we're superheroes.
.@PressSec is a champion, advocate, and a fighter for LGBTQI+ rights. pic.twitter.com/oKiFsOBZVb
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 11, 2023
Levine calls for "Summer of Pride"
The official also reaffirmed the idea that LGBT Pride should be celebrated all summer long, instead of just in June, known as Pride Month.
ADMIRAL LEVINE, Biden's assistant secretary for health, says it's no longer just Pride month — it's a "Summer of Pride" pic.twitter.com/Y84AuBzQo0
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 26, 2023
Declaring this season as the "Summer of Pride" was made by Levine last month on Twitter:
Today officially marks the 1st Day of Summer. All summer long we will be celebrating the “Summer of Pride.” I see it as an opportunity for change in our communities, states&nation. It will take us all, but together we can create a wave of change. Let the “Summer of Pride” begin!
— ADM Rachel Levine (@HHS_ASH) June 21, 2023
