"HHS Renames Portrait Amid Transgender Leader's Name Change Controversy"

HHS Renames Portrait of Transgender Health Leader Amid Name Change Controversy The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has altered the official portrait of Admiral Rachel Levine, the first transgender person to win Senate confirmation, by adding her previous name below the portrait. This change occurred during the recent government shutdown, sparking questions about the implications of such actions on representation and inclusivity in public institutions. According to NPR News, the move has been met with criticism, highlighting the need for greater understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals in positions of leadership. The change was made to Levine's official portrait, which is displayed on the seventh floor of the Humphrey Building in Washington, D.C. The portrait is part of a line of photographic portraits of all the people from years past who have led the Public Health Corps at HHS. The decision to add Levine's previous name to her official portrait has been seen as a step backward in promoting inclusivity and representation. According to Maansi Srivastava, a photographer who took the original photo of Levine, the change was made during the government shutdown, when the building was closed to the public. "It was a quiet moment, and I didn't think much of it at the time," Srivastava said. "But now that I know about it, I'm a bit surprised." Levine, who led the Public Health Corps during the Biden administration, has been a trailblazer for transgender individuals in positions of leadership. Her confirmation by the Senate in 2021 marked a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community. However, the decision to add her previous name to her official portrait has been seen as a setback for her legacy. The controversy surrounding the change has sparked a wider debate about the importance of representation and inclusivity in public institutions. According to Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, a psychiatrist and expert on transgender health, the change is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for acceptance and understanding of transgender individuals. "This is a moment when we need to be thinking about how we can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone," Erickson-Schroth said. The current status of the portrait remains unchanged, with Levine's previous name still displayed below her official title. The HHS has not made any official statement on the matter, and it is unclear whether the change will be reversed. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the controversy surrounding the portrait change highlights the ongoing need for greater understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals in positions of leadership. In a statement to NPR News, an HHS spokesperson said that the change was made to ensure that the portrait accurately reflected Levine's name at the time of her service. However, the move has been met with criticism from many in the LGBTQ+ community, who see it as a step backward in promoting inclusivity and representation. As the controversy surrounding the portrait change continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the importance of representation and inclusivity in public institutions cannot be overstated. The debate surrounding Levine's portrait is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for acceptance and understanding of transgender individuals, and the need for greater understanding and acceptance in positions of leadership.