Official Statement from Intersex Canada regarding the 2024 Paris Olympics:
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(1) Intersex Canada would like to officially offer our support to Imane Khelif, Lin Yu-Ting, and all women athletes that have been impacted by the recent surge of online hate and discrimination. The controversy surrounding the scrutiny of their bodies and innate sex characteristics is harmful to everyone, regardless of one’s birth-assigned sex or gender identity. Women, particularly women of colour, are often subjected to public discourse about their bodies. This is not the first time a female athlete has been questioned about their sex characteristics during the Olympics.
(2) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has released their own statement, declaring that “every athlete has the right to practise sport without discrimination”, and “all athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU).” The IOC has chosen to support Khelif and Yu-Ting.
(3) Despite the IOC’s official statement, many continue to speculate about Khelif and Yu-Ting, focusing on their appearance and body compositions. Intersex Canada would like to clarify that neither athlete has confirmed that they are indeed intersex. Regardless of their sex characteristics, the extreme reaction to Khelif and Yu-Ting has put intersex people in danger, as well as other people of 2SLGTBQI+, as the public discourse continues to spread harmful misinformation and misconceptions about those born with variations in sex characteristics.
(4) Intersex Canada calls upon media organizations to ensure that all information being shared about athletes is factually accurate, and that compassion is exercised when reporting on the issue. We encourage allies of the intersex community to help correct any misinformation they may encounter, and to educate others on the misconceptions surrounding intersex people when possible. Finally, we ask that anyone who may have been impacted by the negative public reactions, takes the time that they need to rest, recharge, and engage with supportive family and friends. You are loved, you are valued, you are worthy, and you deserve to take up space just as everyone else does.
Here's a great resource to learn more about interphobia in sports and the impact to women athletes: https://lnkd.in/eW5dbipT.
#intersexrights #intersexcanada #interphobia #ParisOlympics2024