This is the statement of Intersex Philippines, Inc. on the case of Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer who came under transphobic attacks from right-wing conservatives when her Italian opponent in the Olympic Games in Paris insinuated that she surrendered her fight in 46 seconds because she could not tolerate fighting a “male”.
We stand in unwavering support of Imane Khelif, a dedicated athlete and a natural-born woman who was assigned female at birth, as she endures undue prejudice and unfair scrutiny for her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Imane has shown remarkable perseverance and skill throughout her boxing career, overcoming numerous challenges and achieving significant milestones. Unfortunately, despite her impressive achievements and commitment to the sport, she faces this unjust treatment.
This reveals a troubling trend of ignorance and prejudice, reflecting broader issues of misunderstanding and discrimination against individuals who are intersex or who defy traditional gender norms. Such judgments, made without a complete understanding of Imane’s journey or the complexities of gender and identity, undermine the progress we strive to create in raising awareness about intersex issues.
In Imane’s case, she was born female but has variations of sex characteristics (VSC). Variations of sex characteristics refers to people born with innate genetic, hormonal, or physical sex characteristics that do not conform to medical norms for female or male bodies. It refers to a wide spectrum of variations to genitals, hormones, chromosomes and/or reproductive organs.
We must approach these situations with empathy and respect for all individuals, regardless of their identities. Let’s unite in our efforts to challenge our biases, educate ourselves, and support initiatives that foster inclusivity and understanding. Together, we can help combat ignorance and create a more respectful and informed society.
We thank the International Olympic Committee for issuing a statement documenting this and challenging the aggression faced by athletes who may have variations of sex characteristics.
