Matthew Mitcham Takes Down Transphobes With A Dose Of Reality
According to a report by Queerty, Matthew Mitcham, the Australian diver who made history as the first out athlete to win Olympic gold in 2008, has had enough of transphobes using the Olympics as a platform to spew hate.
“Transphobic Bullying Has Gotten So Bad”
In a video posted on Sunday, Mitcham called out the toxic rhetoric surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who has been subjected to a vile anti-LGBTQIA+ smear campaign. Right-wing politicians and commentators have wrongly claimed that Khelif is transgender, despite the International Boxing Association (IBA) never labeling her as such.
The IBA, which is primarily funded by Russia’s state energy supplier, Gazprom, has been in a long-running dispute with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The organisation also doesn’t publicly release its rulings or tests, which has led to suspicion surrounding Khelif’s alleged failed “gender-identity” test.
The IOC Sets the Record Straight
The IOC issued a strong statement affirming Khelif’s right to compete as a woman, citing her previous competitions in the women’s category, including the 2020 Games. “We have seen in reports misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024,” the IOC said. “These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA.”
Mitcham Calls Out the Hate-Mongers
Wearing a shirt that celebrates “trans dudes,” Mitcham responded to the hate-mongers, saying, “Apparently, we live in a world now where transphobic bullying has gotten so bad, that it now extends to women who people deem to be too strong and muscly, at the Olympics of all places.” He added, “Like the Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has been bullied so mercilessly, that it’s forced her own father to publicly release her birth certificate to prove that she was assigned female at birth. That’s shocking. Ya’ll need Jesus, honestly.”
Khelif Stands Up to the Bullies
Khelif, who has been standing up to the bullies, addressed the harassment she’s received after clinching an Olympic medal. “I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects,” Khelif told SNTV. “It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.”
Since winning gold in 2008, Mitcham has emerged as a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. He’s been open about his struggles, including his battle with addiction and chem sex. A trailblazer in multiple ways, Mitcham launched his own OnlyFans in 2023, becoming one of many male Olympians to monetize their ripped physiques.
