The internet insists on calling a spade a spade. The internet will also gloriously convince you that they have personally worked with a variety of cores and understand very well exactly how these wonderful tools bend around the working edges for maximum benefit. However, any amount or shape of squinting will also reveal that the tool you’re talking about is actually a shovel.

Although people today undoubtedly have as much access to information as they have historically, there is still a terrible epidemic of misinformation. When he’s not producing dizzying Mandela Effects to deal with, he’s mobilizing the public with pitchforks, rallying them for a cause they didn’t care about until a week ago. A similar incident occurred at the 2024 Paris Olympics, when the identity of the Algerian boxer was revealed. Imane Khelif Following its historic gold, it was subjected to intense scrutiny; Some media outlets and influential figures also helped with the turmoil.

Since high-profile figures like the first line have been dragged Elon Musk and Trump claimed that a leaked medical report “confirmed” that Imane was male. This renewed public discourse on the issue came as various Indian media outlets once again casually labeled the athlete as “male”. For example, a headline in the Hindustan Times read: “Imane CheatParis Olympics medalist confirms man in leaked medical report” and another Livemint article claimed that Khelif was “confirmed to be male” after her medical information was leaked. Similar headlines were also shared by mainstream media outlets such as The Indian Express and Moneycontrol.

Science suggests that there is a lot of nuance between concepts of gender and identity that are misrepresented due to the lack of gender studies in traditional education. Reporting that Khelif was male based solely on reported biological characteristics is extremely misleading when discussing both the medical and social implications of gender identity. To clear up the confusion, let’s look at official gender definitions, examine Khelif’s reported medical condition, and review the implications of how media coverage can increase misunderstandings and biases.

Where the new debate begins

The recent controversy began when a leaked medical report showed that Khelif had XY chromosomes, internal testes and no uterus, likely caused by a rare genetic condition called 5-alpha reductase deficiency.
This was nothing new, as a similar report had helped Khelif become the subject of significant media and public scrutiny in the past. However, statements by high-profile figures such as the former US President during the Olympics Donald Trump and writer J. K. Rowling Insisting that Khelif was an unfit man helped raise public discourse on gender and sports to astronomical levels. In response, Khelif filed a complaint against Trump, Rowling and Elon Musk in France, citing cyberstalking and arguing that comments about her identity amounted to public harassment.

Despite the reports and outrage, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) acknowledged her female identity and approved her eligibility to compete in the women’s category. They based their decision on her lifelong identification as a woman and her history of competing as such; They set an example of inclusivity while acknowledging the complexity of gender and biodiversity.

Difference between sex and gender

Understanding Khelif’s situation requires a better understanding of the terms “sex” and “gender.” While the public may use them interchangeably, there are important differences that arise from many fields of science. Gender typically refers to biological differences (chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive anatomy). However, gender encompasses the social roles, behaviors, and identities that individuals embody, which may or may not be compatible with their biological sex.

A useful way to think about this distinction is by analogy. Consider that some people genetically have blue eyes while others have brown eyes; These are innate biological characteristics. However, just as gender identity can change depending on how individuals view themselves and how they are viewed in society, people may also choose to wear contact lenses to change their eye color. Another popular, albeit controversial, way to compare the two is to think of a person’s gender as their “hardware” and their gender as the “software” they work on.

Therefore, a person’s biology may suggest certain physical characteristics, but gender identity may align differently depending on personal and cultural factors. Many people often undergo hormone therapy and counseling to help them feel more comfortable with their bodies. Some even opt for “gender-affirming” surgeries to change their physical appearance to match the gender they feel most comfortable with.

It is also important to recognize that for some people, gender identity is flexible and can evolve over time. Although biological sex generally remains constant, some people may feel more attached to a particular gender at certain points in their lives, while at other times they may align with another. This concept, called gender fluidity, suggests that gender identity is not always fixed, but is instead shaped by a mix of internal emotions and external experiences, meaning it can naturally change over time. Encouraging this fluidity helps people feel accepted and understood.

Media language and its effects

For these reasons, it is problematic for media outlets to refer to Khelif as “male” or “confirmed male” in their headlines, which is the only part of the most read news today. These headlines convey to the general public that gender identity is determined solely by biology, a stance that is inconsistent with today’s commonly accepted definitions and understandings of gender.

For example, even World Health Organization (WHO) distinguishes between sex and gender based on the biological and socially constructed characteristics discussed previously and insists that calling a person male based solely on gender-related characteristics would oversimplify a person’s identity and ignore personal self-definition. Not only the WHO, but also major organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the United Nations similarly differentiate sex and gender.

Science aside, news organizations have a responsibility to cover sensitive topics like gender identity with tact and respect. While transparency in reporting is essential, invasive publication of Khelif’s private medical details and sensational labeling could violate his privacy. Moreover, by framing her gender identity in simplistic terms, the media risks reinforcing stereotypes and marginalizing individuals who are different in terms of gender development or gender diversity.

In general, such rare, unique and complex cases should be handled by appropriate and knowledgeable authorities and should not be subject to media trial. A more ethically respectful approach would include using gender-neutral terms when discussing Khelif’s suitability and avoiding language that ignores her identification as a woman. Such reporting will comply with journalistic codes that emphasize minimizing harm and respecting the dignity of individuals, especially those living in vulnerable or marginalized communities.

What is 5-Alpha Reductase Deficiency?

The 5-alpha reductase deficiency condition attributed to Khelif is a rare genetic condition. Individuals with this condition have XY chromosomes, but their bodies do not effectively convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen responsible for male genital development. As a result, people with this condition often appear female or have ambiguous genitalia at birth, but may undergo masculine changes during puberty.

In particular, people with 5-alpha reductase deficiency are often assigned female at birth in societies where access to advanced genetic testing is limited. Even Imane’s gender was ‘female’ at birth, according to the official birth certificate shared by her family after the first controversy during the Paris Olympics. Many of these individuals live as women, and some of them define themselves as women throughout their lives. Therefore, it would be misleading to categorically label them as male simply because of their chromosomal structure, as it does not reflect their lived gender experience.

The controversy surrounding Imane Khelif raises fundamental questions about gender identity and eligibility criteria in competitive sports. Many governing bodies are grappling with these issues, and it is clear that no single set of criteria may capture the complexity of gender. Striking a balance between fair competition and the inclusion of all athletes will require policies informed by medical insights and a compassionate understanding of gender identity.

Going forward, it is crucial that the media, sports organizations and the public seek to understand gender identity as a complex intersection of biology, identity and culture.

Disclaimer: This article uses Imane’s pronouns, recognizing that she identifies as a woman and a woman, and we were unable to find any publicly available information regarding her preferred pronouns. However, this does not imply any judgment regarding the athlete’s gender identity. The decision on whether such athletes will be allowed to participate in competitions should be left to the relevant authorities and should not be made via social or digital media.