Anti-trans violence is coming for cisgender women of color, advocates say

Imane Khelif, a long-time competitor in women’s boxing, had come to Paris to represent Algeria at the Olympics for the second time. Algerians traveled hundreds of miles to support her. Algerian newspapers heralded her as a “heroine.” She beat one opponent after the next, winning gold in the women’s welterweight tournament. 

But since the first time she entered the ring in Paris, Khelif’s body, mannerisms, identity and athleticism became the focus of scrutiny by politicians, billionaires and news outlets on a global scale. A narrative soon took hold: Khelif was labeled a transgender woman. 

This wasn’t true — but that didn’t matter. Her actions and reactions were weaponized against her. Khelif had won her matches too easily. When her first opponent quit after 46 seconds and cried after Khelif punched her, Khelif didn’t look remorseful enough. To detractors, this boxer from Algeria, who had pursued a sport she loved since she was 6 years old, didn’t fit the stereotypical idea of what a woman is supposed to be. Link to full article here.