IOC's Updated Language Guide Urges Media to Avoid Referring to Trans Athletes as "Biological Males" or "Females

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has released a language guide urging media outlets to avoid using terms such as "biological male" or "biological female" when referring to trans athletes. The guide emphasizes the importance of using inclusive and respectful language that recognizes the diverse identities of athletes.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has updated its "Portrayal Guidelines" to provide guidance on how Olympic-affiliated media and outside outlets should appropriately cover athletes with diverse identities. The third edition of the guidelines includes a list of "problematic" terms that should be avoided when discussing transgender people competing in the Olympics.

The IOC's updated guidelines emphasize that a person's sex category is not solely determined by genetics, and that aspects of a person's biology can be altered through gender-affirming medical care. The guide states that terms such as "biologically male" and "biologically female" can be dehumanizing and inaccurate when used to describe transgender sportspeople and athletes with sex variations.

According to the IOC, it is preferable to emphasize a person's actual gender rather than referring to the sex category that was registered on their original birth certificate. The guidelines also discourage the use of terms such as "identifies as," "sex change," and "transsexual."

The "Language and Terminology" section of the IOC's guidelines provides advice on using inclusive and respectful language. For example, the guide suggests using the term "humankind" instead of "mankind," and "partner/spouse" instead of "husband/wife."

The guidelines also address the importance of breaking down gender stereotypes and preconceptions in sports media. They provide practical checklists and tips to help ensure gender-equal and fair representation of all athletes across all forms of media and communication.

The IOC's updated language guide is part of its ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusion in sports. The guidelines aim to raise awareness about the differences in how sportswomen and women's sport are portrayed in comparison to their male counterparts.

The IOC's guidance is in line with recommendations from LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations such as GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation). GLAAD's Media Reference Guide provides detailed guidance on covering LGBTQ+ athletes at the Olympics and Paralympics.

The IOC's language guide has been released ahead of the Paris Olympics, which are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The guidelines emphasize the importance of using respectful and inclusive language when reporting on transgender athletes and athletes with sex variations.

The IOC's guidelines have been met with mixed reactions from sports journalists and commentators. Some have praised the guidelines for promoting inclusivity and respect, while others have expressed concerns about the impact of the guidelines on sports reporting.

The IOC's guidelines are intended to provide guidance on how to cover transgender athletes and athletes with sex variations in a respectful and inclusive manner. The guidelines are based on the latest research and best practices in LGBTQ+ inclusion.