Imane Khelif Faces Unfounded Transphobia Despite Cisgender Identity
Fight Abandonment Sparks Unjustified Accusations
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif found herself in the ring for less than a minute before her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, unexpectedly abandoned the fight. The immediate reason for Carini’s decision was unclear, yet this incident quickly became a catalyst for transphobic reactions on social media. Politicians, podcasters, and various netizens accused Khelif of being a trans woman competing in the sport, despite her being a cisgender woman.
Clarification from the International Olympic Committee
Mark Adams, a spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), addressed these accusations in a press conference, stating, “The Algerian boxer was born female, was registered female, lived her life as a female, boxed as a female, has a female passport. This is not a transgender case.”
Transphobic Attacks Extend Beyond Sports
Other female athletes, such as Thailand’s Lin Yu-Ting, have also faced similar transphobic attacks. Notable figures, including a prominent UK-based transphobe, have continued to spread misinformation about their gender identities, despite the IOC’s clear confirmations.
Beauty Standards and Misguided Suspicions
Transphobic rhetoric is not limited to sports. When Eve Gilles was crowned Miss France 2024, her slim frame and short haircut sparked unfounded accusations of her being trans. Gilles, who is a cisgender woman, expressed her pride in breaking traditional beauty standards and stated, “No one should dictate who you are.”
Historical Context of Misjudging Cis Women of Color
Misidentifying cis women, particularly women of color, as transgender is a recurring issue. Caster Semenya, who won gold at the 2009 World Championships, faced scrutiny and was forced to undergo testing due to her athletic prowess. Similarly, tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams have been subjected to mockery for their muscular physiques. More recently, basketball star Teaira McCowan was falsely accused of being trans in a TikTok video, which was later removed following backlash.
The Real-World Impact of Transphobia on Cis Women
The harmful effects of transphobia extend beyond verbal abuse. In October, Jasmine Adams, a cis woman, was assaulted and dragged out of a Staten Island store by her hair after being called a transphobic slur. In another tragic incident, Michelle Dionne Peacock, also a cis woman, was murdered by her neighbor, who referred to her derogatorily.
Advocates Highlight Broader Dangers
Trans individuals and allies have long warned about the broader implications of transphobia, emphasizing how it can also victimize cis women. Activists like Hope Giselle and Raquel Willis have highlighted the potential for transphobia to be weaponized against anyone who defies conventional gender norms.
Call for Unity Against Discrimination
The pervasive issue of transphobia necessitates a unified fight for equality. Policies targeting trans individuals under the guise of protecting cis women ultimately endanger all women. The shared struggle against such discrimination underscores the importance of solidarity in the fight for equal rights.
The anti-trans “gender critical” crusade has never just been about trans women.
— Raquel Willis (she/her) (@RaquelWillis_) August 1, 2024
It’s always been about pushing white supremacist, bioessentialist purity standards.
All women who don't or can't conform to those ideas are in danger. https://t.co/ONigoUnHp0
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