It is no surprise that whoever President Donald Trump nominates as a top pick for a health position comes with controversies. This time, it is for a key federal health role, which is facing scrutiny for controversial remarks on transgender care and the COVID-19 pandemic. Brain Christine, a 61-year-old urologist from Alabama, publicly advocated for "corrective care" for transgender youth and questioned mainstream narratives around the pandemic.Who is Brian Christine?He is President Trump's top pick for assistant secretary for health, a position which was previously held by Dr Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender federal official confirmed by the Senate. Unlike his predecessors, Christine has no experience in the government service. He is however, well-regarded in his medical field, especially for his work in men's sexual health, including treatments for erectile dysfunction.Christine's nomination marks a trend of Trump selecting individuals with nontraditional background for health leadership roles. If confirmed, he would serve as a deputy to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.ALSO READ: 'Why Should Society Pay For Your Health?' RFK Jr. On Those Who Smoke Or Eat DonutsControversial Views On Transgender YouthChristie has preciously also made several public statements which oppose gender-affirming care for transgender minors. While he acknowledged gender dysphoria as a real concern, he also equated it to addiction and believed children should receive "corrective care" such as counseling or pastoral support, instead of medical transitioning.In one of the interviews from 2023, Christine criticized what he called the "transgender agenda", accusing the political left for using children as "pawns". He also framed transgender rights as part of the broader attack on masculinity, family and religion.Many major medical organizations in the US, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association support gender-affirming care as evidence-based and potentially life-saving for transgender youth.ALSO READ: President Trump Declared 'Fully Fit' To Serve As A Commander-in-Chief In His Physical - Know What His Reports SayIn fact, his views have faced opposition from many LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Brandon Wolf of the Human Rights Campaign called Christine’s views “dangerous disinformation” and said they pose real harm to children. Critics argue that his stance undermines decades of progress in LGBTQ+ health and rights.Has Christine Ever Provided Transgender Patient Care?While he claims that he has never done so, there are past advertisements from his medical practice that suggest otherwise. His website had once promoted treatments for patients who had undergone gender transition. His clinic also placed ads in LGBTQ+ magazines. He has, however, denied these claims, and said he never offered surgical or hormonal care of transgender individuals.What About COVID-19 Vaccines?Like RFK Jr., Christine too is riding the bandwagon of his controversial remarks on COVID-19 vaccine. His views on the COVID-19 pandemic have also drawn attention. On his podcast, he once expressed skepticism about the government's pandemic response. He suggested that it was used to influence the 2020 election and benefit large corporation. He also criticized lockdowns for harming small businesses and questioned vaccine mandates. However, he has initially received the vaccine himself.
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