Imane Khelif Controversy: Transphobia, Misogyny and Racism Exposed

Image Source- The Business Standard

A few days ago, post the boxing game in Paris Olympics 2024, Imane Khelif was on the receiving side of ugly misogyny and transphobia over her masculine looks and testosterone levels in her body. After her opponent, Angela Carini abandoned the bout 46 secs into the fight, claiming she never has been hit so hard before by a female boxer. This led netizens across the globe to be divided in opinions, where the one half mercilessly trolled her and baselessly accused her of being a man.

Imane Khelif has been raised as a woman in a country which is not supportive of LGBTQ+ community (unfortunately). Algeria do not allow sex change surgery, so no ways she is a man and would have been sent by Algeria in the Olympics. 

Now-banned International Boxing Association (IBA) cited she has high testosterone level and that she has XY chromosomes (science went into the dustbin), in non-specified and non-transparent eligibility tests. There has been a rift between IOC & IBA due to the practices of corruption prevailing in the sporting body. IBA has been playing dirty, even with another player.

It puts me into shock that how people cannot put their brains to use and are blinded by misogyny, transphobia and some of the politicians. Even though she may have masculine look, it doesn't make her a man. And no ways chromosomes can be changed from XX (female) to XY (male) in any normal case.  Though Imane has DSD, as it is claimed at various places, she would have her testosterone levels within limit to be able to compete in women's category, as per IOC's rules. 

For people claiming she is trans and spreading hatred (even some well-known figures like J. K. Rowling, Elon Musk and Donald Trump) it exposes the venom people have in their hearts (or minds) for transgenders. Either fueled by misinformation or complete ignorance to it, they do not think much before commenting anything which spreads hate and can hurt people. Later, even when Imane came up and said she is a woman, still these people wouldn't stop. I do not have all knowledge about trans community and get confused between various labels, but I have empathy and respect for what it is and that's enough to not spread any hate. Nothing difficult for any sane person with emotional intelligence. 

The shrewd beauty standards is also responsible for the hate she has been receiving for her looks. The way patriarchy expects a woman to be petite, short, fair, have hourglass figure and a flawless skin (few that I remember), Imane's looks do not conform to these. She have been training hard for years and decades to get where she is- healthy & powerful body and boxing skills. Fact that she is quite powerful than many "men" out there hurts the ego of misogynist "men," who then attacks her on her looks. When I used to have boy cut (still want it), many misjudged me as a man, based on my hairstyle alone. Some felt it is alright to give unsolicited advices/opinions to grow my hairs and that women look beautiful only in long hairs (one man recently said this over 7 times in 5 mins, despite me ignoring him). Netizens have only been more ruthless to her in this trolling over her looks. 

A slight derangement-  many meme pages, influencers and people reduce the achievements of women, including athletes, to their looks. Be it corporate, creative or athletic or literally any field- women's looks are unfortunately given more importance than a woman's achievements and skills. One of the examples is of Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker. Many praised her looks over her skills and what she has achieved.

Getting back to Imane's case, there is a dash of racism too. Angela, a white woman, shed some tears and Imane faced the consequences of it. The element of racism came into play as Imane is a woman of colour. From decades and centuries, plights of a white person is given more importance, care and coverage than that of people of colour. I don't think if their positions were reversed and it was Imane who would have been receiving end of the punch, that the news channels would have cared to highlight the case, as the winning boxer would have been a white person.

Just because she has worked hard and gained the healthy and powerful body she has, we can't let her years of hard work go down the drain just because of this baseless accusations, transphobia, misogyny and racism. Some people, famous and powerful ones included, shouldn't be given access to social media and internet, who will put any baseless accusations and spread any kind of hate. Though there is news that Angela has apologized to Imane for post-fight controversy, this shouldn't be happening again. 

Ultimately, Imane Khelif’s case shows how prejudice and ignorance can overshadow genuine talent. Her years of dedication and skill should be acknowledged, not diminished by baseless claims and discrimination. It’s crucial to focus on her accomplishments and respect her journey.