Alex Delaney

Imane Khelif’s case has exposed the contradictions in the so-called “gender critical” movement by forcing transphobes into a position where they’re arguing gender is ambiguous. Imane Khelif was born with a cervix, but they have argued she is “too manly” for women’s boxing, and should be made to fight against men — which is not the gender she was “assigned at birth”. As a result of this, “gender critical” activists have found themselves conceding that there is actually a biological component to gender fluidity, as they sought to claim Imane Khelif’s genetics gave her a sporting advantage — as if this is the first time in history someone has been genetically suited to a particular sport. Another question is if a male boxer was considered “too womanly” would the same “gender critical” transphobes support him identifying as a woman if he wanted to? And compete in boxing against women? If not, why do they insist Imane Khelif - a woman - identifies as a man and competes against men? “Gender critical” activists appear to want to force Imane Khelif to be a trans man, despite being born a woman and living her life as a woman. The case has exposed their hypocrisy and incoherence, as well as destroying any credibility in their claim to be standing up for women.