Between Science and Nature: A case for the Hermaphrodite
Bessy Ekaete Boniface, a Delta Queens’ player in Asaba, Nigeria was dismissed from the Under-20 female World Cup training camp last year when it was discovered she was a "woman-man". Unable to bear it anymore, since she is supposed to be the bread winner of her family and following the hardship that has plagued the family since then, Ekaete is now asking for help to reverse her gender and possibly return to playing football. Her hope is hinged on a similar incident involving one Iyabo Abade who was also dismissed from the football team but was able to undergo surgical treatment and is now a male. I have also refused to characterise her as a s/he and you’ll understand why soon.
By genetic disorder, hermaphrodites are organisms that possess both male and female reproductive or sexual organs. Biologically, there are no true human hermaphrodites but pseudohermaphrodism as scientists believe no human possess a complete and functional set of both internal reproductive organs, but the external genitalia. They are either one or the other functionally. These set of people are also politically referred to as intersexuals. Unlike the transvestites or transsexuals who undergo anatomical "correction" to bring their physique consistent with their mental state of mind because they feel they are born in the wrong body, intersexuals are psychological aware of who they are and thus do not struggle with their identity internally. To feel "normal" however, they require surgical treatment to the most appreciative gender for societal recognition.
Ekaete’s nature is a product of her creator (by which she made no intervention) who moulded her and ‘dropped’ her into a society. A society where culture and tradition still define the roles of the gender and people are still “surprised to hear that one of their female players was neither a man nor a woman”, where religion and belief in God is professed as the response to a greeting and the next minute devour another for same. Unfortunately for Ekaete also the rest of the world still wants to know where you belong, for classification and identification purposes and where necessary intimidation and segregations as well. Although this sexual indistinctness is common in animals, in humans the mention of the word alone bleeds the heart.
Since God is a God of planning and purpose and to every of His creation is attached a purpose that He alone may be supreme, it is not unlikely that Ekaete’s case is no different. According to the report, her doctors have confirmed she possess eighty five percent female characteristics, it gives her a choice even though she is not under any illusion about who she is. She has chosen to believe the scientists’ verdict and wants to be referred to as a woman.
In spite of the financial benefits, she loves football and has worked hard towards it. It should not be taken away from her, but rather Ekaete and all others alike should be accepted, supported and not isolated. If the world is now becoming comfortable with sexual orientation and "Miss California" can be crucified for airing her negation then 'scientifically proven' gender binaries should too. With or without physiological treatment they should be identified by who they wish to be or dominant features. They are human beings with the same blood, “emotions, desires, motivations, and dreams” and can only excel when they are given the opportunity.
By genetic disorder, hermaphrodites are organisms that possess both male and female reproductive or sexual organs. Biologically, there are no true human hermaphrodites but pseudohermaphrodism as scientists believe no human possess a complete and functional set of both internal reproductive organs, but the external genitalia. They are either one or the other functionally. These set of people are also politically referred to as intersexuals. Unlike the transvestites or transsexuals who undergo anatomical "correction" to bring their physique consistent with their mental state of mind because they feel they are born in the wrong body, intersexuals are psychological aware of who they are and thus do not struggle with their identity internally. To feel "normal" however, they require surgical treatment to the most appreciative gender for societal recognition.
Ekaete’s nature is a product of her creator (by which she made no intervention) who moulded her and ‘dropped’ her into a society. A society where culture and tradition still define the roles of the gender and people are still “surprised to hear that one of their female players was neither a man nor a woman”, where religion and belief in God is professed as the response to a greeting and the next minute devour another for same. Unfortunately for Ekaete also the rest of the world still wants to know where you belong, for classification and identification purposes and where necessary intimidation and segregations as well. Although this sexual indistinctness is common in animals, in humans the mention of the word alone bleeds the heart.
Since God is a God of planning and purpose and to every of His creation is attached a purpose that He alone may be supreme, it is not unlikely that Ekaete’s case is no different. According to the report, her doctors have confirmed she possess eighty five percent female characteristics, it gives her a choice even though she is not under any illusion about who she is. She has chosen to believe the scientists’ verdict and wants to be referred to as a woman.
In spite of the financial benefits, she loves football and has worked hard towards it. It should not be taken away from her, but rather Ekaete and all others alike should be accepted, supported and not isolated. If the world is now becoming comfortable with sexual orientation and "Miss California" can be crucified for airing her negation then 'scientifically proven' gender binaries should too. With or without physiological treatment they should be identified by who they wish to be or dominant features. They are human beings with the same blood, “emotions, desires, motivations, and dreams” and can only excel when they are given the opportunity.
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