Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf on Wednesday issued a statement condemning recent transphobic hate speech directed toward the state's Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine. 

Tensions flared over this past weekend when someone from the Bloomsburg State Fair posted on their Facebook page a picture of someone dressed in a blonde wig and a dress in a dunking booth. The event was a fundraiser designed to raise money for the fire departments in the region.

"Dr. Levine? Thank you you were a hit and raised a lot of money for the local fire companies. Wonder why so many were trying to dunk you," said the Bloomsburg Fair Association's Facebook post, which included a smiley-face emoji.

Condemnation of the now-deleted post was fast and swift, with several state politicians issuing statements in support of Dr. Levine. Some have said they will not attend this year's Bloomsburg State Fair, scheduled for late September, because of the incident. 

Bloomsburg Fair officials have apologized for the incident, calling it a "serious lapse in judgment". 

Governor Tom Wolf on Wednesday made the following statement:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought hate and transphobia into the spotlight through relentless comments and slurs directed at Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, who is a highly skilled, valued, and capable member of my administration and Transgender. The derogatory incident involving the Bloomsburg Fair is the latest of these vile acts, which by extension impact Transgender people across the commonwealth and nation.

“Dr. Levine is a distinguished and accomplished public servant. She is committed to keeping Pennsylvanians safe and healthy, even those who direct hate-fueled attacks at her. I’m proud of the work she has done in her five years serving Pennsylvanians, and her success at leading our commonwealth during the COVID-19 crisis is a testament to her intelligence and work ethic.

“Hate has no place in Pennsylvania, even in the smallest transphobic joke, action or social media post. I’m calling upon all Pennsylvanians to speak out against hateful comments and acts, including the transphobia directed at Dr. Levine and all Transgender people in our great commonwealth.”

Rafael Álvarez Febo, executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, gave the following statement on behalf of the commission:

“The leadership of the Bloomsburg Fair knew they were catering to Transphobic sentiments when they chose to impersonate Dr. Levine. Marginalized communities know when we are being targeted and will not be gas-lit into thinking this was just about Dr. Levine's position as Secretary of Health. In times of crisis and pain LGBTQ individuals are united in pushing back against Transphobia of any kind. Commissioners believe that the health and safety of Pennsylvanians should not be undermined due to these toxic and personal attacks.”