by Brenda Jin
Today, the International Olympic Committee has declared that intersex athletes are to be treated as an issue of medical concern rather than one of “fairness.” According to the New York Times, a panel of medical “experts” declared that female-identified athletes with “medical disorders that give them masculine characteristics should have their disorders diagnosed and treated.”
Understanding and treating intersex athletes as if they possess “medical disorders” unfairly transforms individuals who do not conform to traditional ideals of femininity into medical subjects. Athletes who have gender “disorders” will not be allowed to compete without first seeking “treatment.” Although the committee has cited health concerns for these disorders, they have failed to address to what extent intersex is a disorder, and haven’t spoken specifically about the adverse effects of having naturally higher testosterone levels than “normal” women.
And why stop at gender? Why not test and ban Michael Phelps for Marfan Syndrome? Surely if he has such a chromosomal disorder, then his overall health has been impacted, and we as a society should be concerned. Why not diagnose and treat individuals whose ancestors have lived at high altitudes and therefore are predisposed to having high hemoglobin levels? Why not diagnose mental illnesses such as obsessive disorders that give certain athletes an edge by helping them focus in training and competition?
More than reflecting an anxiety about fairness in competitive sports (which the committee actively avoids), the discourse about gender as a “medical problem” reflects a deeply rooted social anxiety about the meaning of femininity and its place in our society. Intersex athletes are of particular concern, because they are not necessarily individuals who self-identify as not conforming to societally-imposed norms. Rather, the fact they are–and I emphasize naturally–born intersex (just as individuals are born with different hair colors and body types) frightens those who believe that gender is a binary biological phenomenon… and we all know too well how ideas about biology and natural disposition are used to reinforce racial and gender stereotypes.
photo from Vironevaeh‘s flickr.
Pete’s SAKE. Okay, even if it is a disorder … what the hell are they syupposed to do if they have the drive to compete and talent? Just sit on the sidelines and pick their noses?!
I understand the physical-strength-related issues, but jeebus crispus. What do these people DO if they are gifted athletes with a great love for their sport? Having that level of drive and ambition and talent and being told it’s in the wrong body is not a happy thing to inflict on someone.
Well, that’s decent, however think about additional choices we’ve got here? Would you mind crafting one more article about them too? Cheers!