The article discusses the impact of the new Self-Determination Law, which allows individuals to self-identify their gender starting in November. It highlights the controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who faced harassment after winning an Olympic gold medal, sparking debates about gender and fairness in sports. With organizations struggling to adapt, questions arise about the inclusion of trans and intersex athletes in competitive sports and how regulations should evolve to accommodate gender diversity while maintaining fairness.
Sports Divides Male and Female. With the New Self-Determination Law, Individuals Can Decide on Their Gender Starting November. How Will Sports Adapt?
This summer, the discussion surrounding the winning of an Olympic gold medal reached unprecedented volume. Alongside pride, relief, and tears of joy, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faced significant backlash, misunderstanding, and hatred during the Olympic Games in Paris. The reason? Her participation incited debate about her gender. Rumors and misinformation proliferated online, with some alleging that Imane Khelif was not a woman and was too strong for her opponents. This campaign against Khelif continues to haunt her today.
Khelif secured her first Olympic gold medal in Paris by defeating Yang Liu from China in the final.
How Hard Can a Woman’s Punch Be?
After the bout in the Round of 16 between Imane Khelif and Italian Angela Carini, perceptions began to shift. The attitudes toward intersex and transgender individuals became increasingly hostile. The fight lasted less than a minute, with the Italian conceding after only a few punches. Many users on social media questioned Khelif’s gender, branding her as a ‘man hitting a woman.’
Tests by the Boxing World Association
The backdrop of the gender debate stems from the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) decision to disqualify Khelif from the 2023 World Championships, claiming she did not meet participation criteria. Two independent DNA tests reportedly indicated that Khelif had XY chromosomes, typical of males. However, the results have not been made public.
Beginning on November 1, the Self-Determination Law will replace the outdated Transsexual Law from 1980, presenting new challenges for competitive sports.
It’s important to note that the IBA was not responsible for Khelif’s eligibility for the Olympic Games in Paris; that responsibility lay with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which approved her participation. Khelif has never identified as transgender or intersex and has consistently competed as a woman at the international level.
Gender Issues and Athletes
Bettina Rulofs from the German Sports University in Cologne has been researching gender diversity for over 25 years. The regulatory confusion at the Olympics illustrates how overwhelmed governing bodies are in dealing with intersex and transgender individuals. Clarity is vital, especially in elite sports. However, a ‘patchwork of regulations’ persists, making it difficult for athletes like Imane Khelif to navigate the system, according to the expert.
Addressing these concerns requires a process of awareness, time, and extensive research. A thorough analysis of the success factors in various sports is necessary: What parameters contribute to success? Is the male-female division still relevant and sensible? A criterion employed by many international federations, like World Athletics, is testosterone levels, which determine whether transgender women and intersex individuals can compete in the female category.
Expert: Sports Can Never Be Completely Fair
Rulofs emphasizes, ‘Reducing the discussion to testosterone oversimplifies the issue.’ Success in sports is not solely determined by this factor; other elements such as height can also be crucial. For instance, the 1.42-meter gymnast Simone Biles and 2.16-meter basketball player Shaquille O’Neal both excel because of their unique body sizes. Their achievements are not questioned; ‘It is not perceived as unfair. We cannot pretend that everything can be measured by testosterone levels.’ Rulofs points out that sports can never be entirely ‘fair.’
Determining One’s Own Gender Rather Than Being Defined By Others
People often underestimate the challenges involved in changing one’s gender classification. ‘It’s not a cakewalk to change your gender entry. The paperwork that must be updated, the discrimination encountered, and associated disadvantages are significant,’ shares Monro, who views the over 40-year-old Transsexual Law as outdated. This law will be replaced by the Self-Determination Law on November 1. The government emphasizes ‘diversity,’ placing clubs at a crossroads regarding how to handle gender diversity.
How Should Amateur and Competitive Sports Adapt?
Where can transgender and intersex individuals find their place within clubs and competitive sports? How will federations manage gender diversity in the future? Will inclusion lead to perceived unfair competition? These are questions that sports associations, both nationally and internationally, need to address. The Self-Determination Law will not infringe upon the autonomy of sports organizations. According to current law, sports clubs and associations