Rachel Levine Urges Support for Gender-Affirming Care Amid Mental Health Crisis
Rachel Levine, the US assistant secretary of health and the highest-ranking trans official in the country, has strongly condemned the political attacks on LGBTQ+ communities and highlighted the urgent need for gender-affirming care for trans youth. Speaking at a medical conference in Fort Worth, Texas, Levine emphasized the dire mental health crisis faced by LGBTQ+ Americans, particularly trans and non-binary youth.
Levine stated that the suicide rate among LGBTQ+ individuals, especially trans youth, is alarmingly high, with 52% of trans and non-binary young people contemplating suicide in 2020. She called this statistic “a rate that should shock our conscience,” urging society to consider the immense emotional toll caused by harassment, discrimination, and political scapegoating.
The remarks came amid ongoing debates over policies targeting trans youth, including restrictions on gender-affirming care and participation in sports. Levine’s comments serve as a call to action for policymakers and health professionals to better support LGBTQ+ youth, especially those experiencing bullying and marginalization.
