Entertainment
For women athletes of color, scrutiny of gender and identity rules is part of a long-standing trend
PARIS (AP) — An emotional Algerian boxer, Imane Khelif, left the ring in tears after a resounding victory this weekend. Khelif faced days of hateful comments and false accusations about her gender after her first fight with an Italian opponent who surrendered after a few seconds of the fight.
“It’s because she’s African, because she’s Algerian,” Algerian fan Adel Mohammed, 38, said Saturday after Khelif won her Olympic medal. “These comments come from white people… it’s a kind of racism.”
Women of color athletes have historically faced disproportionate scrutiny and discrimination in terms of gender testing and false accusations that they’re male or transgender, historians and anthropologists say. Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-Ting, who won her fight Sunday after similar abuse and questions on her gender, are the newest examples of women of color finding themselves in contentious debates concerning the regulation and perception of gender in sports.
More women from the Global South or developing countries are affected by gender testing in sports, said Payoshni Mitra, director of the Center for Sport and Human Rights, a Switzerland-based human rights organization that has worked with dozens of female athletes in Asia and Africa to combat gender testing practices.
“Sports is very Eurocentric — it’s not necessarily a global approach,” Mitra said. “We need to accept women in all their diversity. And right now we’re not seeing that.”
Mitra and other proponents of the speculation and anthropologists note that international sports federations haven’t tended to advertise an understanding of diversity in terms of sex and gender identity, and that gender testing has often been conducted on athletes of color who don’t conform to typical Western, white ideals of femininity.
In 2009, after winning the 800 meters on the world championships, South African runner Caster Semanya was sidelined for 11 months because of track and field rules regarding hormone levels. She spent years in a legal battle against the requirement that she suppress her natural testosterone with the intention to compete.
Semenya was identified as female at birth, raised as a girl and has been legally identified as a woman her entire life. She has one of several conditions often called differences in sexual development, or DSD, that cause naturally high levels of testosterone.
World Athletics, track and field’s governing body, said Semenya’s testosterone levels gave her an athletic advantage comparable to a man competing in women’s events and that rules were needed to account for that. Critics of the rules — which were introduced in 2011 and tightened through the years — see naturally high testosterone levels as a genetic gift, likening them to a basketball player’s height or a swimmer’s long arms.
“Nobody was disqualifying Michael Phelps because of the specific biological characteristics that allowed him to be successful swimmers,” said medical anthropologist Danyal Kade Doyle Griffiths, an associate professor on the City University of New York.
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Indian sprinter Dutee Chand also faced a ton of scrutiny and was thrown out of the 2014 Commonwealth Games after reports of elevated testosterone levels. She underwent rounds of testing and eventually took the international track and field federation to court, difficult regulations that placed a limit on naturally occurring testosterone levels in female athletes.
Regardless of differences in gender or hormones, women of color—and Black women specifically—have often been subjected to stereotypes that portray them as more masculine. This dehumanization and objectification dates back to slavery, when enslaved Black women were auctioned off based on their physical appearance and skills, which were perceived as more masculine or more feminine.
Conspiracy theories and misinformation have circulated online around tennis superstar Serena Williams, falsely claiming she was born a man. In 2017, she wrote an open letter to her mother, thanking her for being a role model in standing as much as individuals who were “too ignorant to understand the power of a black woman.”
Basketball star Brittney Griner has also faced similar false accusations amid criticism of black women and their bodies that is rooted in historical racism: they are sometimes seen as not feminine enough, too muscular, intimidating or masculine.
“These examples strike me as particular cases where racism, transphobia and intersexphobia are inseparable,” Griffiths said. “This speaks to a much longer history of the way race is gendered, where black women are seen as more masculine compared to white women.”
The definition of femininity “is often based on Western notions of white femininity or standards of white beauty,” said Cheryl Cooky, a professor of American studies and women’s, gender and sexuality studies at Purdue University. If a female athlete doesn’t fit those white, Western standards, “she’s subject to those questions and those accusations.”
In Khelif’s case, the banned International Boxing Federation disqualified her from the 2023 world championships after it said she failed unspecified qualifying tests for women’s boxing events, citing elevated testosterone levels. The Russian-dominated organization — which has been at odds with the International Olympic Committee for years — has refused to offer any information concerning the tests.
“The entire process is flawed,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams said Sunday. “From the conception of the test, to the way the test was made available to us, to the way the tests became public, it is so flawed that it is impossible to engage with it.”
Adams has previously said Khelif “was born a female, was registered as a female, lived as a female, was treated as a female and has a female passport.”
The Olympic body published a 10-principle approach to gender and gender inclusion in 2021 that recognized the necessity for a “safe, harassment-free environment” that respects athletes’ identities while ensuring the integrity of competitions. Advocates like Mitra hope they will likely be taken seriously.
Meanwhile, Algerians have come out in support of Khelif, defending her from the hateful comments. Algerian hammer thrower Zahra Tatar called Khelif’s fight “beautiful” and said “we all hope she wins the gold medal.”
Entertainment
Support is poured by the following shocking reception of Flaver Flav, which he converted after almost five years sober
Flavour Flav left fans when the legendary noise and public co-founder of the enemies began to Instagram with a brutally honest confession about stumbling in his sobriety-a few months before what could be his five-year milestone of a pure life.
Confession is a surprise for followers who watched milestone publicly rejoice since sobriety since 2020. His fifth anniversary is approaching October 19.
Hip-hop legend, known for its characteristic clock necklaces and “Yeah Boy!” Hatchpraze, he was transparent about his struggle with addiction in his entire profession. His last statement reflects his involvement in responsibility and authenticity despite this failure in his journey to health.
“I remain authentic for who I’m, and for me a big part of the last 4.5 years was a journey for me.
His statement continued to substantiate his slip and a request for understanding.
“I converted briefly,” he wrote. “I say this to grant my mistake and publicly attract. I am a man who makes mistakes and does not make me a bad man. I hope that those who are around me support my choice to be sober.”
Hype of the public enemy ended his message with a strong reminder of perseverance: “I came back to 1, again. Time has not stopped, my journey continues.”
Fans quickly gathered with the taste of taste when the Jasmine brand Again His statement, flooding comments supporting messages.
“Sobriety is really a journey from day to day. We fall. We are coming back,” wrote one of the commentators, while others added a straightforward but encouraging words corresponding to “It’s ok! Go Flav” and “Respect”.
Some supporters, nonetheless, questioned whether such a private fight needed to be publicly made available.
“Not everything must be made available on the internet, but great for him for putting health,” commented one person.
Another suggested a more strategic motivation: “Someone was Finna Snitch, a good job, winning before history.”
This is not the first time Flavour Flav was honest in his battles of addiction.
In January 2023 revealed The delightful financial number of his previous drug habit, spending from 2,400 to 2600 USD per day for six years – of almost $ 1 million per yr per substance.
The rapper’s sobriety journey began in 2020, running down with a turbulent period when he was temporarily faraway from the public enemy after the dispute with Chuck for the support of the Bernie Sanders group, Los Angeles Times Reported then.
Since the restoration, Flavor Flav has been giving concert events with a gaggle that recently announced thirty fifth anniversary of the celebration of the breakthrough single “Fight the Power” in London Royal Albert Hall on June 27.
In October last yr, during the World Mental Health Day, the taste of taste common Insight into tools supporting his sobriety, including therapy.
“I talk to the therapist. In fact, I talk to two,” he revealed in the film on Instagram. He also supported the application for AI therapy called Sonia, which he considered significant support during a good concert schedule.
Born William Jonathan Draton Jr., The rapper consistently formulated his journey of sobriety as each a private triumph and a platform to encourage others.
“I think God wanted me to live. And he knows that I am a mouthpiece for the world,” he said in previous statements, explaining his belief that sharing his experiences may prevent others from making similar mistakes.
Despite this temporary failure, Flaver Flav’s desire to publicly reset his sobriety meter shows the reality that many are fighting regeneration – this progress is not at all times linear, and susceptibility may be strength.
(Tagstotransate) flavery flav
Entertainment
The best new music this week: Ciara returns from “Ecstasy”, Alex Isley drops a completely new single, “Sinners” Rod Wave and more – ESENCE
Happy Friday, people. This week, music drops are pure magic.
Today, Ciara makes a dazzling return from “Ecstasy”, a stuffy groove, who proves that she remains to be the queen of the dance floor. “Mrs. GOODY shoes” by Alex Isley is a stuffy bliss, while Wave Rod has a heart together with her emotional “sinners”. Our list also includes Bigxthaplug, Destin Conrad, Sir and more.
Look on the best new music this week,
Ciara – “Ecstasy”
Grammy Ciara’s winner returned together with her single from 2025 from “Ecstasy”. Listen to this HERE.
Bigxthaplug ft. Bailey Zimmerman – “completely”
The rapper from Texas Bigxthaplug uses his rural roots with “All the way” with the participation of Bailey Zimmerman. Check the new record HERE.
Sir ft. Maeta – “from my hands”
Two essentially the most talented stars within the listeners of R&B gifts all over the world with their joint song “Out of My Hands” with Heavy luxury: light. Check it out HERE.
Alex Isley – “Mrs. Goods Two Shoes”
Alex Isley returned with the album “Mrs. Good Two Shoes”. Hear this HERE.
Wave Rod – “Sinners”
Just a few weeks before the discharge of “sinners” Rod Wave gives one with the identical name. Watch the movie inspired by the movie HERE.
PinkPantheress – “Tonight”
Today, PinkPantheress shares his first solo song of the yr from “Tonight”, which is trying panic! At the disco “Do you know what I see?” Listen to the song HERE.
Destin Conrad ft. TEEZO STOP – “Last time”
Destin Conrad and TEEZO TDZIENDOW are combined with a new album entitled “The Last Time”. Streamly send a new record HERE.
With April, longer days and warmer weather come, which is good for outdoor classes during the day, after which move to the evening with friends. The world of sneakers includes changes in the forecast, offering a good selection of colourful, expressive footwear options. Nike takes a creative swing in baseball, while Adidas gives us something for tennis courts. When it comes to catching up with friends? Mark Streetwear Corteiz, star Wnba Breanna Stewart and others have you ever.
Asics provides the package “quite strange”
Asics
The latest gel-1130 from Asics wearing the seas and volt will appear in a selected generation Live pink Colors and immediately take into consideration Nickelodeon. As with most ASIC, the net is the star of the program, because each shoes use a silver and black cage around the mesh to emphasize the mesh used. Both shoes have a white central sole that helps to support much more. Do not get down in case you see them on the gym, on trails or worn freely this spring season.
Release date: April 4
Retail sales: USD 110
Breanna Stewart wins again with Stev 4
Puma
After a successful inaugural season of the New League 3 out of three, Breanna Stewart tries to proceed her success. With the WNBA season just around the corner, Stewart and Puma they supply the fourth edition of the longest -working rim shoes for girls. Dressed in an opalescent upper with a blue and pink prism style, these shoes will immediately attract attention, similar to Stewart, on the pitch and out of doors.
Release date: April 4
Retail sales: USD 120
Bape and Adidas rejoice the star
Adidas Originals
This yr, the iconic SUPERSTAR ADIDAS model is celebrating its fifty fifth anniversary. We have already seen one special edition, and now Bape is entering to deliver. Dressed in a blue leather upper with an aging white central sole and shell finger, the shoe has a brand in the type of each the Bape Sta Bape logo and three adidas strips are displayed on the medial and side, respectively on the right shoe, while the left shoe. The end of the package is the iconic bape camouflage embossed in the upper of the shoe.
Release date: April 5
Retail sales: USD 160
Jordan Brand Crafts “Rare Air”
Jordan Brand
Pulling inspiration from design samples and early prototypes. The men’s version is the early sort of “what the”. Equipped with a mismatched logo of wings, a black noise that provides way to red underneath and other works from various Jordan 1. A pair of girls has a more subdued approach, but still matches the form “what”. In particular, the Wings logo comprises “Air Jordan” and “Nike Air” on shoes. If you might be a fan of the history of Jordan 1 or Jordan, they’re mandatory.
Release date: April 5
Retail sales: USD 180
Nike goes home
Nike
The late Kobe Bryant was a big fan and supporter of Los Angeles Dodgers, often seen in Dodgers games. After teasing almost two years ago, the “Dodgers” colours receive the proper release. Kobe 6 arrives mainly wearing the royal blue with a white central sole. Red seams on the shoe tongue imitate baseball seams, ending a baseball tie. Additional equipment and items related to baseball complement the theme.
Release date: April 13
Retail sales: USD 175
Nike takes SB Dunk to “Rodeo”
Nike
Long before Beyonce told everyone in her cowboy side, black cowboys were once a key a part of culture. The latest Dunk SB is the perfect tribute to those days and other people whose story tried to forget. Tourmaline stone colours function a canvas for Nike to emphasize the key parts of the on a regular basis lifetime of black cowboys. From the lace inspired by lasso to cowboy accents to a cowboy occurring a horse on the inserts, this shoe is an exquisite tribute to the era, which history tried to erase.
Release date: April 17
Retail sales: USD 135
Air Max 95 “Neon” is back
Nike
The term “goat” is abused to such an extent that now we have herds of so -called great things, ultimately diluting what we want to justify the sublime distinction. But don’t make a mistake-if there may be a Sneaker Hall of Fame, “Neon” Air Max 95 is a unanimous entrance to the first ball, because from three a long time it has been the basis of sneakerheads. After the last release in 2020, the biggest hit of the former designer Nike Sergio Lozano with a very important change – the brand used “Big Bubble” to pay homage to the original project, which contained a bigger air unit. Although this is a sort of enthusiasts of sneakers from trifles.
Release date: April 18
Retail sales: USD 180
Brain Dead comes alive with Forest Hills
Adidas
Last time Brain Dead, it was the return of their Converse cooperation. This time, collective from La copies on the Adidas vault to restore the silhouette of Forest Forest in tennis. In 4 unique shots, blurred suede uppers, textured languages and released lace add a further depth to the appearance of the shoe. It intends to immediately cause a sense of tennis throatrs that were once home for the Forest Hills Model. Completing the package is to use the Brain Dead logo in lots of places.
Release date: April 25
Retail sales: USD 120
He has maniere does it “for love”
To me
A frequent associate of Nike A has a manére provides a brand new but easy approach to the classic silhouette of Air Force One Their collection “for the love”. Things are easy because the shoes are covered with a black leather upper with white notes on ending around the noise and brand A has maniere on the heel. The real goal is to use craftsmanship and materials corresponding to butter skin to construct a upper. The last touch of workmanship is “A” on the heel tab.
Release date: March 29
Retail sales: USD 150
Court “Black honey“He finally arrives
Corteh
After months of teasing in social media, we finally confirm that the long -awaited fourth a part of the London brand Streetwear Corteiz’s Air Max 95 will appear this month. Like many Air Max 95s, this version follows the “layered” upper approach, with the upper layer containing the mesh layer to contrast the solid black layers under it. Continuing subtle deviations is Corteiz’s yellow Tour to emphasize branding on the fingers, heel and tongue.
Release date: March 24
Retail sales: USD 190
Line notes
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