French doctor Philippe Pellissier has weighed in on the ongoing debates concerning the gender identity of Algerian boxer Imane Khalif, declaring her a biologically female athlete. In a video shared on his official platforms, Dr. Pellissier presented scientific evidence stating that Khalif is indeed a woman and not a transgender individual, countering various claims spread by certain campaigns. Though he affirmed her female identity, he did note that her case involves some genetic complexities.

Dr. Pellissier explained that the SRY gene can sometimes shift between the X and Y chromosomes, which can result in an individual having a female phenotype while naturally producing higher levels of male hormones. He emphasized that Khalif's journey as an athlete demonstrates significant courage, as she had to adhere to strict protocols to lower her testosterone levels, underscoring the challenges faced by athletes navigating gender identity issues in sports.

Furthermore, Imane Khalif herself has stated unequivocally that she identifies as a woman and is prepared to comply with any regulations set forth by sports authorities. Her case highlights the ongoing conversations about gender identity in athletics, reflecting broader societal challenges and the importance of scientific understanding in these discussions.