This post is different to my other ones, I do not have a bibliography, and it might feel a big more emotional, that is because most of the points I will be addressing are subjective observations, I guess in a hit of the moment I decided to write down my exasperation with what I call the viral human intellectual virus and fear mongering termed transphobia.
Imane Khelif is a 25-year-old Algerian boxer who gained global attention for winning a match at the 2024 Olympics with a single decisive punch against her Italian opponent. Because of her physique and certain ethnic characteristics, she became the target of a sexist campaign of trans accusations. This began when her opponent claimed that “it was not fair” after losing, without elaborating on what the subject of the unfairness was, which prompted some people to dig into Imane’s history. They discovered that she, along with Lin Yu-ting, a Taiwanese boxer, had allegedly been subjected to gender testing and disqualified to participate by the IBA, a Russian institution in charge of international boxing competitions that has a history of corruption. The results of these tests were never made public, but some disqualified athletes have criticized the institution’s practices.
It is important to note that Imane Khelif does not have XY chromosomes, and elevated testosterone does not automatically provide athletic superiority. This is evident in women with PCOS, which affects around 13 percent of the population (WHO). Despite this, misinformation about Imane spread rapidly. Prominent figures such as former U.S. president Donald Trump, J.K. Rowling, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and even verified media outlets like Fox News circulated false claims about her on X, formerly known as Twitter, and in public statements. Even after being corrected, many refused to acknowledge their errors, some offering excuses or doubling down.
This situation is a striking example of global transphobia directed at a cisgender woman. On a deeper level, it reflects misogyny, sexism, and androcentrism. Hatred or discrimination does not exist in a vacuum. In a patriarchal society, transphobia is inseparable from misogyny, they reinforce each other. Trans women are often vilified as perverse men invading women’s spaces or as men who failed to meet societal standards of masculinity, while trans men are often perceived as confused or self-hating women. Some self-described feminists, like J.K. Rowling, participate in policing women’s bodies, reinforcing narrow definitions of womanhood. Imane was judged as a cis woman by other cis women simply because she did not conform to their expectations of femininity. Gender biology is far more complex, and discrimination often targets those who challenge societal norms of performance, ability, and heteronormativity.
In this context, the public perceives deviations from gender norms differently for men and women. Men are rarely criticized for excelling or performing beyond expectations; exceptional ability can coexist with their status as men. Women, however, risk being deemed “not real women” if they do not conform to conventional femininity. Anything associated with masculinity or trans identity can trigger intense public scrutiny and hostility. If we were to imagine a pyramid of social exceptionalism, women would stand at the base, men at the top, and above them, divinities. Within the human order, men are treated as the highest form of power. So when a woman achieves excellence, she is accused of being a man, because greatness is still coded as masculine. When a man excels, there is nothing above him to compare to; he simply becomes a “genius” or a “legend.”
Finally, the Imane Khelif case highlights androcentrism in professional sports. Women were not allowed to compete professionally until the late 19th century in England, and contemporary sports systems were largely designed around male athletes. Gender testing is primarily conducted on women, reflecting persistent inequality. Exceptional female athletes are often scrutinized in ways that men are not. The system reinforces a hierarchy in which male athleticism sets the standard, and deviations by women are seen as transgressive.
PS: Imane Khelif won her match, proving her talent and dedication. Despite the harassment and false accusations, her victory stands as a reminder that skill and hard work cannot be erased by ignorance or prejudice. I hope she sues EVERYONE
Article that inspired my topic:
Habbari, K., & Beacham, G. (2024, August 5). Olympic boxer Imane Khelif calls for end to bullying | AP News. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/olympics-2024-imane-khelif-boxing-gender-7b171980b05bcef2117a7615
BISILA 