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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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18

Judging Gender Trickier Than You Think

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(Newser) – After her big win yesterday in a world track meet, South Africa's Caster Semenya has to undergo a gender test to prove that she is, in fact, a woman. This is way more complicated than it sounds, writes Melonyce McAfee in a Slate Explainer column updated from a similar case a few years ago. It requires a small army of specialists—"gynecologists, endocrinologists, psychologists, and experts on transgender issues"—and a battery of tests that take weeks to decipher.

Olympic officials started testing female athletes in the 1960s with simple physicals, but "ambiguous" sex organs fooled them. More sophisticated tests for chromosomes and testosterone followed, but a myriad of genetic abnormalities further confused the issue. Hence, the panel of specialists. Along with chromosomal tests, "gynecologists perform physical exams; endocrinologists diagnose gene disorders and resulting hormonal conditions; and athletes may be given psychological help to deal with the situation."

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18 comments
VIEWING:
 
TheWho
Aug 20, 09 6:18 AM CDT
Where's the picture? Reply
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+2
Thinker
Aug 20, 09 6:36 AM CDT
Studies regarding inter-sexed individuals indicate that approximately 6 different sexes exists among humans. In fact, inter-sexed people are more prevalent in our society, percentage-wise, than redheads. Reply
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+5
paul123
Aug 20, 09 6:55 AM CDT
how 'bout a simple dna test? Reply
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-1
IN RESPONSE:
prowlerzee
Aug 20, 09 7:21 AM CDT
Oh, gee, what would the experts do without all the brilliant spout-offs from the online readers of condensed news?
Vote up! Vote down!
+4
IN RESPONSE:
paul123
Aug 20, 09 9:47 AM CDT
what gives prowler? This isn't a simple spout off, unlike your comment. A DNA test would reveal that the person is either xx or xy, and aside from a genetic anomaly, it would show quite quickly the gender of this person, without all of the physical and psych exams. Ever hear of genetics?
Vote up! Vote down!
+4

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UPDATED

Semenya Will Keep Medals; Gender Test Confidential

Board rules in favor of South African runner

Nov 19, 09 7:01 AM CST
(AP) - South African runner Caster Semenya will keep her 800-meter gold medal from the world championships, and she'll keep the results of her gender tests to herself, the South African sports ministry said today. The ministry also said that the 18-year-old Semenya will be allowed to keep her prize money. "... More »

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Strip Club's Ad Pokes Fun
at Hermaphrodite Runner

'No need for gender testing!' billboard draws complaints

Sep 30, 09 10:43 PM CDT
(Newser) - A strip club’s seemingly obvious reference to the South African runner revealed to be a hermaphrodite is, predictably, drawing complaints—though the club’s owner says his billboard proclaiming “No need for gender testing!” underneath a busty model isn’t a stab at Caster Semenya. Lolly Jackson... More »

MORE ABOUT:
advertising • South Africa • strip club • athletics • hermaphrodite • billboards • Caster Semenya • gender test • Leonard Chuene • Teazers • Lolly Jackson

 South Africa: Ax 
 Lying Semenya Official 

His coverup hurt runner, says sports minister

Sep 20, 09 7:02 AM CDT
(Newser) - South African government officials are calling for the firing of an athletic director who admitted lying about gender tests before Caster Semenya entered her controversial World Championship race last month. "His lies were to Ms. Semenya's detriment," said a statement from the nation's sports minister, reports the BBC.... More »

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gender • sports • athletics • World Championships • Caster Semenya • Leonard Chuene • intersex • gender tests

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transgender • World Championships • Y chromosomes • Jay-ZTV • Caster Semenya • gender test

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