Cisgender Algerian boxer, Imane Khelif, continues to be a target for prominent anti-trans bigots, including the president of the United States. But the gold medalist has now responded, saying she is “not intimidated” by people like Trump and feels “even stronger.”
During the Olympics last year, Khelif became the center of a transphobic firestorm led by figures like JK Rowling, Elon Musk and Donald Trump—all of whom inaccurately characterized her as trans.
Whether Khelif is or isn’t trans shouldn’t matter. What should matter is that these attacks were based on her personal appearance and a narrow definition of acceptable femininity. The unpublished results from an unspecified eligibility test led by a discredited Russian agency only provided a convenient, if vague, shield for transphobia.
Related
“I’m not giving anyone that space in my mind,” Wilson said of her father. “The only thing that gets to live free in my mind are drag queens.”
Entertainment with an edge
Whether you’re into indie comics, groundbreaking music, or queer cinema, we’re here to keep you in the loop.
Although Khelif won the gold medal and has clapped back at her haters—naming both Rowling and Musk in a cyberbullying lawsuit—the online hate campaign did affect her mental state.
“When I saw that even heads of state, famous figures, and former athletes were speaking about me without having verified facts, it shocked me,” Khelif told iTV in a new interview.
“They were speaking just for the sake of talking, without any reliable or documented information. I also noticed on social media that people were discussing the issue without any trustworthy sources. That was what affected me the most in the beginning – why was I, Imane Khalif, the target of such a campaign?’’
Trump has since transformed his cyberbullying into action, signing an executive order that bars trans athletes from competing in women’s sports at federally funded schools. In the lead up to this executive order, Trump once again name-dropped Khelif and falsely characterized her as trans.
Despite this, Khelif is no longer bothered. “The US president issued a decision related to transgender policies in America,” she said. “I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me. As we say in Algeria: those who have nothing to hide should have no fear.
“The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics, the injustice was exposed and the truth was acknowledged by the Olympic committee. I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl and have lived my entire life as one.”
If bigots are hoping to end Khelif’s boxing ambitions, they are sorely failing. These days, she’s looking forward to winning gold again in the 2028 Olympics, scheduled to be held in LA.
“This experience has taught me a lot,” she reflected. “I believe that if the old Imane operated at 50% of her potential, then the Imane Khalif of today is even more motivated and determined.
“I have learned so much from this campaign against me, and what happened at the Paris Olympics was an eye-opening experience. I feel even stronger now than I was before.”
Sign up for the INTO newsletter and get your twice-weekly dose of stories that shape the queer experience, culture, and lifestyle.
