Imane Khelif was born with XY (male chromosomes) but she has DSD (look that up), and that makes her situation nuanced. It’s not her fault that she’s born like that. She has always lived as a woman.
But the fact remains that ‘she’ has male chromosomes and higher testosterone. That was why she was not allowed to fight in Women’s Category by IBA. Now, the Olympics has a different governing body. Given the situation, they decided to let her fight in Women’s Category.
When the dust settles, all I want to say is that us who give importance about these details are not transphobic. We do not hate those who are biologically different than us, and/or those who present themselves as the opposite sex. My concern is keeping the integrity of women’s sports. It was a long battle for women to have their own spaces, including in sports. The women’s boxing for example was introduced to the Olympics just last 2012.
There are reasons why male and female categories are separate in the first place. Even within each category, there are separate categories for each weight. This is to ensure a fair fight. Unfortunately, that is a basic requirement that is lacking when men are allowed in women’s category, even with nuanced situation like Imane’s. You don’t see transmen (biological women presenting as men) play in men’s sports because they know their biological disadvantage. It’s really the transwomen who hijack women’s sports. Look at the likes of Lia Thomas.
Therefore, I personally believe this should be a lesson learned. Either people with DSD follow their biological imprint (male or female chromosomes), or they are given a different category for intersex persons, or they should not be allowed to fight.
It is sad that women are bullied into silence when they speak out legit concerns like this. The irony is that those who consider themselves feminists are mum about this—when it actually matters the most. If we’re not going to speak up for women’s rights, if we have to be silent lest we ‘hurt’ other’s feelings or be called transphobe, what will be the future of Women’s Sports?
We already see it happening. It’s only gonna get worse.
This commentary was made based on this article. Posted by Hannah on August 10, 2024.







