The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President Joe Biden's administration has implemented a policy that mandates employees to recognize and use the preferred gender pronouns of their colleagues.
This policy is part of the HHS's broader commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
The Assistant Secretary for HHS, Rachel Levine, a transgender pediatrician, has been an advocate for sex changes for children from her federal government position. Levine has asserted that child sex changes, including puberty blocking drugs, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries, are "medically necessary, safe and effective."
An email circulated by the HHS, which was obtained and made public by Roger Severino of the Heritage Foundation, reveals the department's "streamlined" guidance. The email, titled "HHS Gender Non-Discrimination and Inclusion Policy," was sent out in celebration of National Coming Out Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the LGBTQIA+ community.
The email reads, "When individuals bring their whole selves to work, all of us at HHS thrive. We want to ensure that HHS continues [to be a] welcoming, supportive environment where all employees feel safe and seen, including transgender and non-binary employees."
The email further announces the new HHS Gender Identity Non-Discrimination and Inclusion Guidance, which outlines employees' rights and protections related to gender identity. The policy details the protections in place for employees undergoing workplace changes, such as legal name changes, and establishes procedures to safeguard all employees' gender expressions.
The policy also provides department-level coordination for Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) procedures across HHS. It facilitates the updating of names in HHS IT systems and outlines how transgender employees can change their names in their official records. The guidance also clarifies that all employees should be addressed by the names and pronouns they use to describe themselves and that they can wear clothing and use restrooms in accordance with their gender identity.
The email included a video message from Andrea Palm, Deputy Secretary at HHS, and Levine, in honor of National Coming Out Day, which falls on October 11. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has also previously recognized the day, sharing her personal coming-out story as a lesbian with the White House press corps.
In the video, Palm explains why HHS officials believe it is in the nation's best interests for their employees to use preferred pronouns, even if it contradicts their personal beliefs. She states, "HHS is proud of the richness and diversity of our workforce. You are a source of unmatched talent and strength for each of our divisions. We want to attract, engage and retain the best talent, and we recognize that inclusive work environments facilitate a plethora of ideas, perspectives and viewpoints that lead to creativity and innovation."
Cheryl Campbell, the Assistant Secretary for Administration at HHS, also gave remarks, stating that "The HHS Gender Identity Non-Discrimination and Inclusion Guidance sets forth essential protections related to gender identity, emphasizing the principles of fairness, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work."
Levine concluded the video by emphasizing the importance of the guidance and the role of supervisors and managers in its implementation. She said, "Every one of us can play a role in creating a welcoming workplace. Every one of you can make a difference in improving the feelings of inclusion for your coworkers. Thank you for helping make HHS such a welcoming and affirming workplace."
The National Institutes of Health has also issued guidance to "help facilitate inclusive, affirming, and welcoming workplace environments."
The Biden administration has been proactive in ensuring the hiring and promotion of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, non-binary, or any of the numerous other alternate or divergent sexual and gender identities. This approach has been a key component of Biden's hiring strategy.
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