By patricia.ngevao@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In recent years, conversations about gender identity and biological diversity have gained prominence, with terms like hermaphrodite and transgender becoming more commonly discussed.
Understanding Hermaphroditism
Individuals with both testicular and ovarian tissue are diagnosed with an Ovo testicular disorder, commonly referred to as true hermaphroditism. While this condition is rare, it adds to the complexity of defining sex in terms of physical traits alone.
The word hermaphrodite derives from Greek mythology, where Hermaphroditus, the offspring of Hermes and Aphrodite, was described as possessing both male and female physical traits. A hermaphrodite refers to an individual born with a combination of physical traits that do not fit the typical definitions of male or female. These variations can occur in reproductive organs, genitalia, chromosomes, or hormones. Some of the most well-known intersex variations include Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS), Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), and Klinefelter Syndrome (XXY chromosomes).
According to the Cleveland Clinic in the USA, these conditions are a natural part of human biological diversity and should not be viewed as medical disorders. The traits may not be obvious at birth but could become more apparent during puberty or later stages of life, which further challenges the traditional binary understanding of gender.
For example, an individual with these conditions might be born with external genitalia that appear typically male but have internal reproductive organs associated with females, or they might possess both ovarian and testicular tissue. In rare cases, a condition called Ovo testicular disorder can result in the presence of both testicular and ovarian tissues within the same individual.
Human Rights and Controversy
Historically, when babies were born as hermaphrodites, doctors and families often opted for immediate surgeries to alter the genital appearance or to “correct” the child’s body, assigning them either male or female gender based on their external features.
These procedures, often justified by discriminatory attitudes towards non-binary sex traits, have led to significant physical and psychological harm, according to Cleveland’s.
Hence, such practices have come under scrutiny in recent years as advocates argue for bodily autonomy and the right to self-determination, emphasizing that there should be a delay in medical interventions until the individual is old enough to make self-informed decisions about their body.
Several countries like Malta, Greece, Spain, and Portugal have made progressive strides by banning non-consensual medical interventions on intersex infants and children and promoting a more respectful approach to intersex variations.
Intersection with Transgender
The rise of transgender visibility has equalled increased awareness of hermaphrodite conditions. Unlike hermaphrodite individuals, the gender identity of transgender individuals is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a transgender person who was assigned female at birth may identify as male, a combination of male and female, or neither.
Focus on Athletes
One of the most debatable aspects of hermaphrodite and transgender recognition has been in the world of sports, where the dividing line between male and female athletes has always been central. As more hermaphrodite and transgender athletes begin to break through into elite levels of competition, debates on fairness, inclusion, and identity continue to shape public discourse.
In many cases, athletes who do not fit into traditional male or female gender categories face barriers when it comes to eligibility and fairness in competition. One of the most notable cases is South African runner Caster Semenya, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the women’s 800 meters.
She was pushed into the spotlight after her victory in the 2009 World Championships prompted questions about her gender due to her muscular physique and exceptional performance, sparking a global debate about the inclusion of athletes with differences in sex development (DSDs).
Semenya, a hermaphrodite woman with naturally elevated testosterone levels, was initially cleared to compete but has faced ongoing restrictions regarding her participation in women’s events. This led to intense scrutiny and eventually resulted in new rules from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). The rules require female athletes with naturally elevated testosterone levels to either lower their hormone levels through medication or surgery if they wish to compete in women’s events, raising questions about fairness and the ethics of such rules.
Similarly, in Algeria, female athlete Salwa Eid Naser faced similar challenges. Despite her world-class performances, including winning gold in the 400 meters at the 2019 World Championships, Naser was also questioned about her gender identity due to naturally high testosterone levels. These instances illustrate how athletes from Africa, in particular, have faced disproportionate scrutiny for their gender, raising concerns about cultural and racial biases in the enforcement of gender regulations in sports.
Additionally, Kheira Hamraoui, an Algerian soccer player, has also been at the centre of discussions about gender identity. Her story adds to the ongoing conversation about how gender diversity is perceived and treated in the realm of sports.
These women have been forced to go through a tangled system of legal battles, public judgment, and media attention simply because their bodies do not conform to the binary norms, highlighting the broader issue of how gender and biological differences are managed in sports.
While sporting bodies like the IAAF argue that such regulations ensure fairness in competition, the debate about fairness in sports is far from settled as critics argue that they are discriminatory and violate the rights of hermaphrodite athletes to compete without invasive medical intervention.
Some argue that athletes like Semenya and Naser have a natural advantage due to their unique physiology, while others believe that forcing athletes to alter their bodies to compete is unethical and violates their human rights. The conversation has expanded to include transgender athletes, who face similar challenges in gaining acceptance and recognition in competitive sports.
International bodies like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Athletics are at the forefront of these discussions. They have introduced guidelines aimed at creating a fair and inclusive environment for transgender and hermaphrodite athletes, but many believe that more work needs to be done to strike a balance between inclusion and competitive fairness.
Transgender athletes, like those who transition from male to female or vice versa, face their own set of challenges. Many sports organizations require that transgender athletes undergo hormone therapy and wait for a certain period before being eligible to compete in their chosen gender category. These rules have sparked controversy, with some calling them discriminatory and others defending them as necessary to maintain a level playing field.
Shifting Terminology
Although the term “hermaphrodite” has long been applied in biology, particularly among plants and animals is relevant and appropriate; for example, many flowering plants are hermaphroditic, having both stamens and pistils, which allows them to self-pollinate. Similarly, some animal species, such as earthworms and certain fish, exhibit hermaphroditic characteristics to enhance reproductive success. However, when it comes to human beings, the use of “hermaphrodite” is increasingly viewed as outdated and offensive, leading to the adoption of a more appropriate term, which is “intersex.”
Intersex and Transgender Population in Africa: Statistics and Challenges
Accurately determining the number of intersex and transgender persons in African countries remains a challenge due to factors such as stigma, inadequate data collection, and wide variation in hermaphrodite characteristics.
As of recent reports, Kenya included intersex persons in its 2019 national census, identifying 1,524 individuals in a population of 47.6 million.
Many intersex individuals may be unaware of their status until later in life, while others confuse intersex identity with being transgender. Despite these, challenges, estimates suggest that between 0.05% and 1.7% of the global population is born with intersex traits, according to UN Free and Equal Campaign.
Global Push for Change
Across the globe, intersex individuals face significant stigma and discrimination. The cases of the prior referenced athletes show that human biology is diverse, and rigid categories of male and female may not always apply.
Countries like Armenia, Algeria, and South Africa are at the forefront of these debates, with athletes from these nations challenging the status quo and paving the way for future generations of transgender and intersex athletes.
In Armenia, the issue of gender identity and intersex conditions is still emerging. The country has made strides in recognizing transgender and intersex rights, but challenges remain. This reflects a broader struggle for acceptance and the need for legal and social reforms to protect their rights.
The situation in Algeria is similarly evolving. The experiences of the Algerian sprinter also remind us of the global struggle for recognition and respect for intersex individuals.
Moving Towards Inclusion
The statistics, though limited, should not hinder intersex or transgender persons from enjoying their rights under international human rights treaties, including the African Charter.
Chiefly, the rise of transgender visibility and the recognition of hermaphrodite or intersex conditions are major steps toward a more inclusive society. As society becomes more aware of these complexities, there is a growing need for greater respect, understanding of diverse gender identities and biological traits, embracing diversity, and accepting and promoting inclusion of these individuals, both on and off the field. It will be essential to ensure that everyone can live authentically and without fear.
By understanding and respecting the diverse experiences of individuals who do not fit traditional gender norms, we can foster a more supportive environment. Also, it highlights the importance of continuing to challenge outdated views and advocate for policies that uphold the rights of all individuals, regardless of their sex or biological characteristics. PSN/7/10/2024
