Who is Rachel Levine's ex-wife Martha Peaslee? A look at first transgender federal official's family and children
In an iconic move, US President Joe Biden appointed Dr Rachel L Levine, 63 — a transgender woman — as a state secretary in the US Department of Health. This is the first time a trans woman will hold a federal office post.
The Senate appointed Levine to the office on Wednesday, March 24. 52 senators voted for Levine, 48 against her. “I am honored to be the first transgender person to hold a Senate-approved position,” said Levine in a Radio Fiji report. In her new office, she wants to stand up especially for trans young people. “I know that you face many difficult challenges every day. What I can tell you: There is a place for you in America and in our government."
Levine was married to Martha Peaslee Levine, also a doctor, until 2013. Here's what you should know about her ex-wife.
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Who is Rachel Levine's ex-wife Martha Peaslee?
Martha Peaslee Levine is an associate professor of pediatrics, psychiatry and humanities at Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania. She also serves as the director of the Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Eating Disorder Programs at the medical center. She lives in Hershey, Pennsylvania, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Peaslee uses journaling techniques and therapies in individual and group counseling settings because "she finds that writing encourages self-discovery, self-acceptance and improved self-confidence," reported The Sun. She has spoken at national and international conferences about eating disorder treatment and on the benefits of writing.
According to Fact Files, the couple met at Tulane Medical School as students. Peaslee’s publications include award-winning poetry, fiction and children’s books, including 'Stop That Nose!' and 'The Dragon Inside', which deals with creativity and healing. She has also written articles and op-ed pieces to educate the public on eating disorders, according to Psychology Today.
Rachel Levine's family and children
Born on October 28, 1957, Rachel was raised by her mother Lillian Levine in Wakefield, Massachusetts. With Jewish roots, she grew up attending Hebrew school and earned a high school diploma from Belmont Hill School in Belmont, Massachusetts.
Soon after, Levine graduated from Harvard College and the Tulane University School of Medicine.
In 2011, Rachel (Richard at the time) began her transition. Peaslee and Levine have two children together, David and Dayna. She was married to Levine before her transition from Richard to Rachel, according to Fact Files. Sadly, the two parted ways in 2013. It is unclear whether she remarried or not. Even though she is the ex-wife of a popular personality, Martha has kept her life private and away from the spotlight.