March 24, 2021
Statement from NGLCC Co-Founders Justin Nelson & Chance Mitchell:
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is elated by the Senate Confirmation of Dr. Rachel Levine, Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of PA, as Assistant Secretary of Health for the United States. She is now the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. This historic nomination further cements the Biden-Harris Administration as the most diverse and most pro-LGBTQ in American history— which were among the many reasons for NGLCC’s endorsement of their campaign in 2020.
Dr. Levine has demonstrated the kind of exemplary leadership and grace during her tenure in PA, especially in the face of vile discrimination hurled at her. We fully agree with President Biden’s opinion of her when she was first nominated:
“Dr. Rachel Levine will bring the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic — no matter their zip code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability — and meet the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond…She is a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administration’s health efforts.”
Our entire community, especially those in our Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) Task Force, are cheering on Dr. Levine and she shatters glass ceilings for all trans Americans. The NGLCC urges Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader McConnell to act swiftly on the Equality Act and other essential pro-LGBTQ and pro-business bills so America’s diverse business owners can get back to doing what they do best: powering the American economy.
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ABOUT NGLCC:
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses, known as Certified LGBTBEs®. www.nglcc.org @nglcc
NGLCC MEDIA CONTACT:
press@nglcc.org | 202.499.3042