**HHS Alters Official Portrait of Transgender Federal Health Leader Rachel Levine**
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has updated the official portrait of Admiral Rachel Levine, the highest-ranking openly transgender official in the federal government. The change, revealed this week, revised the name displayed beneath her portrait at HHS headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Admiral Levine serves as the Assistant Secretary for Health and is a four-star admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. She made history in 2021 as the first openly transgender person confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve in a federal role. Her portrait was originally unveiled at HHS as part of an exhibit honoring leaders in public health.
The update to her portrait comes after conservatives previously criticized the display for including what they called “political messaging.” The original biography under the portrait reportedly included references to Levine’s transgender identity. The new version now focuses solely on Levine’s professional background and contributions to public health, leaving out aspects of her personal identity.
According to officials from HHS, the department “periodically reviews public displays to ensure consistency with departmental policy.” The decision to revise Levine’s portrait was made to standardize bios shown in public spaces. HHS did not provide details on who authorized the change.
LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations expressed concern over the move, calling it an attempt to downplay the visibility of transgender leaders. They highlighted Levine’s role as a trailblazer and urged the federal government to continue embracing diversity in all forms.
Meanwhile, government representatives stated the revision was not intended to erase anyone’s identity. Instead, they describe it as a step taken to bring uniformity to displays across the department.
Rachel Levine herself has not commented publicly on the change. Despite the controversy, she continues her work focusing on national health matters, including mental health, nutrition, and responses to public health emergencies. Her leadership remains influential both inside government and within the broader LGBTQ+ community.
The altered portrait remains on display at the Humphrey Building in D.C., where it is seen by hundreds of visitors and employees each day.
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