Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Rachel Levine has called for the LGBT Pride Month celebration to be extended beyond the month of June.
Levine, a biological male who transitioned to female in 2011, is the highest-ranking openly transgender government official in the United States.
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In a video message, Levine announced that Pride month should become a “Summer of Pride.”
"Happy Pride! Happy Pride month, and actually — let’s declare it a summer of Pride. Happy Summer of Pride," Levine said.
The message was met with resistance by conservative commentators.
Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk tweeted: “A day wasn’t enough. A week wasn’t enough. Now a month isn’t enough either. Their cultural conquest knows no bounds.”
Trans HHS Assistant Secretary Rachel Levine: "Happy Pride Month, and actually, let's declare it a summer of Pride. Happy summer of Pride."
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) June 26, 2023
A day wasn't enough.
A week wasn't enough.
Now a month isn't enough either.
Their cultural conquest knows no bounds. pic.twitter.com/miOgSQ5Sbz
“Admiral Rachel Levine declares the Summer of Pride. Welcome to the last days of empire,” Ian Miles Cheong commented.
Levine has stressed that “it will take us all” to implement the change.
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
"Today officially marks the 1st Day of Summer. All summer long we will be celebrating the ‘Summer of Pride,’” Levine tweeted on June 21. “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!’”
As part of its “Summer of Pride,” the HHS is releasing a series of interviews between Levine and LGBT activists.
In the first video, Levine spoke with transgender activist Ryan Cassata and affirmed the “challenges” people face as they seek transgender surgeries.
"We often say that gender-affirming care is healthcare, gender-affirming care is mental healthcare, and gender-affirming care is literally suicide prevention care," Levine said.
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On Monday, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra began the department’s first Pride Summit to discuss LGBT health concerns, calling for a “need to move faster” regarding gay and transgender rights.
“This game of defense can get tiring. We want offense,” Becerra said. “Let’s play on the offensive, and let’s grow.”