I was reading up on the Semenya controversy today and came across a good article that detailed how difficult a situation it can be to determine sex. I have no experience with this sort of thing so I find it fascinating to mull over. Basically if this was my case, how and where would I start?
I think number one I would take steps to not traumatize the patient as it seems Semenya has been. It might be difficult to remember but she is only 18, and as far as I can tell this is her first time in the public arena. One moment being praised for breaking a record, the next being discussed in all circles behind her back regarding her sex. I think you should also ere on the side of believing she has not purposely been deceptive here.
From the article:
First of all, the difference between sex and gender must be clarified. In most cases they are used interchangeably, but this is incorrect. Gender refers to how an individual portrays and perceives him or herself---for example male or female. It is more of a social construct than a biological one. Sex, on the other hand, is biological, and that is the essence of the debate in this case, whether or not Semenya is of male or female sex, not gender. An individual can have male sex but female gender, and vice versa. For an enlightening and intelligent debate about this case, read the comments below. They represent a wide range of opinions from individuals of diverse backgrounds.Following on from that, "private parts" do not alone constitute male or female. This is a rudimentary distinction, but does not acknowledge a range of developmental conditions that can cause male characteristics to develop without there needing to be male reproductive organs. The condition of pseudohermaphroditism is one where male organs develop in varying degrees, and so the absence of male organs is not proof of anything. The fact that ASA believe that "asking her to show us her private parts" will do the job suggests that they have little idea of the issues. In that case, the first quote above, regarding ASA being "certain" of her sex before sending her, is laughable. The only thing we can be certain of is that ASA have little understanding of the problem.Second, even genetic testing cannot confirm male or female. In fact, it is so complex that to do proper sex determination testing, you have to take a multi-disciplinary approach, and make use of internal medicine specialists, gynecologists, psychologists, geneticists and endocrinologists. I am afraid that dropping your pants is not proof at all.
1 comment:
Thanks for your comments Freyja!! I think that your point of view is very interesting hopefully they will come to realize the complexity of the situation. I think that for the testing purposes they should focus more on the physical side of the coin and pursue tests that will determine her sex rather then gender. The main reason why they have the male and female sporting events separate is because our bodies are built differently and perform differently. If through testing they can determine that she is in fact a he then continuing to have her compete as a female athlete would present an unfair scenario for the other runners. I think that her personal view of her gender while important should not determine her eligibility in the female sports arena. Just as a male who felt that he was really female would not be allowed to compete in female sporting events. All that said she is probably going to need years of therapy to get over this!
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