Imane Khelif is not a man, neither a transgender or intersex, nor identifies as one. Rather, she is a biological female, born with differences of sexual development (DSDs), a rare condition involving genes, hormones, and reproductive organs that can cause sexual development to differ from typical male or female characteristics.
Despite this, Khelif has faced intense scrutiny and backlash, with some falsely accusing her of being transgender or intersex.
The controversy surrounding Khelif’s participation in women’s boxing at the Paris Games began after she won her opening bout against Italy’s Angela Carini. Anti-trans celebrities and politicians spoke out against her, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed her eligibility to compete. Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting were previously disqualified from their championships in 2023 due to “gender eligibility testing” by the International Boxing Association (IBA), a decision the IOC called “sudden and arbitrary.”
The IOC has stood by Khelif, stating that she is a woman with DSDs, which is not the same as being transgender. GLAAD and InterACT, organizations that support LGBTQ+ individuals and those with DSDs, have also confirmed that Khelif is a biological female with DSDs. Despite this, the IBA has maintained that Khelif and Lin Yu-ting were disqualified due to “trustworthy” and “independent” tests, reportedly finding XY chromosomes.
However, having XY chromosomes does not necessarily determine one’s sex or gender. DSDs can cause individuals to develop differently, and Khelif’s condition does not make her any less of a woman. The IOC has expressed sadness over the abuse Khelif has faced, emphasizing its commitment to protecting the human rights of all athletes.In conclusion, Imane Khelif is a biological female with differences of sexual development, and her participation in women’s boxing should not be questioned. The IOC’s stance on her eligibility is a step towards inclusivity and recognition of the diversity of human biology.
Her father shared the childhood memories of Imane, saying that she was born and raised as a daughter. He said that the Italian boxer Angela Carini couldn’t face his daughter, that’s why she backed off. It is important to note that Angela Carini has also apologized from Imane Khelif.
There is no biological or medical evidence from a reputable source to support the claim that Imane Khelif is a man, with no credible tests or documentation presented to substantiate this assertion, beyond the unsubstantiated claims being reported.