HRC Responds to Jenna Ellis Misgendering Pennsylvania Health Secretary

by HRC Staff

Post submitted by Lucas Acosta (he/him), former Deputy Director of Communications, Politics

Trump Campaign Senior Legal Advisor intentionally misgendered Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, an openly transgender woman, tweeting “This guy is making decision about your health” and linked to a local story concerning a reporter accidentally misgendering Levine. In response, HRC President Alphonso David issued the following statement:

“Jenna Ellis is a bigot and Dr. Levine is a patriot - plain and simple. Dr. Levine illustrates character and patriotism while Ellis cannot even define those terms.

“Using a person’s pronouns is a basic level of respect. Despite claims of allyship, Donald Trump, Mike Pence and their staff have gone out of their way to dehumanize and attack transgender and non-binary people simply for existing. Trump and his allies have refused to acknowledge the epidemic of violence transgender and gender non-conforming people face, attempted to strip away their access to health care, and blocked these patriotic Americans from openly serving in the military.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Levine has steered Pennsylvania through this crisis leading efforts to reduce the spread of the virus and keep Pennsylvanians safe and healthy. Our nation has and should continue to laud the frontline workers and public servants confronting this pandemic, not attack them simply for living their truth.”

Alphonoso David, HRC President

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