Ilona Maher's Gender Identity

In an Olympics marked by unconventional displays, mandatory plant-based diets, public displays of domestic discord, and water contamination — women's rugby star Ilona Maher stands out as a beacon of wholesome normalcy.

This vivacious athlete, who guided the American team to a bronze medal in Paris, is quickly gaining renown on social media. Maher's relatable humor and positive disposition captivate millions on Instagram and TikTok. She frequently utilizes her platform to underscore that strength and femininity are not mutually exclusive attributes.

Unsurprisingly, a significant online community reacted to Maher's persona with a barrage of online disparagement.

While this vitriol was deplorable, what truly struck me was the number of individuals who mistakenly believed that mocking Maher, a biological woman, somehow contributed to the broader discourse on gender ideology.

Essentially, Maher exemplifies a fundamental principle in the debate about gender ideology: that sex is a biological reality, not a social construct.

Let's dissect this further.

The wave of hurtful comments commenced with a seemingly innocuous post featuring Maher dancing before the opening ceremonies, captioned, 'Olympian Ilona Maher likened to 80s icon Brooke Shields.'

Many responded with such remarks (reproduced with their original errors):

• 'Is that a male? Genuinely curious.' @dissident42069
• 'Though Brooke Shields was certainly attractive…' @JohnKalagian
• 'What an unattractive fellow' @scarlett4kids
• 'Were guys disguised as women permitted in these secular games?' @GotMeOuttsCA
• 'Perhaps Brooke Shields after exposure to intense radiation [frowning face]' @Commieslayer15

Enduring robust physical attributes and a determined countenance, Maher experiences these attacks frequently. In a poignant Instagram video resurfacing before the Olympics, she confesses, 'I frequently receive comments calling me a man, describing me as masculine, and inquiring about steroid use.'

Targeting Maher for perceived masculine characteristics exemplifies a flawed approach to gender ideology. Although proponents of gender ideology often claim to transcend the social conventions of sex, their arguments ultimately rely on sex stereotypes to define 'gender identity,' which transgender activists describe as 'an individual's internal sense of being male or female.'

Why would this approach be employed? A biological male cannot genuinely 'feel' like a female — and conversely. Furthermore, there is no quantifiable measure of these 'feelings.' Thus, sex stereotypes serve as the basis for identifying these purported 'gender identities.'

The concept of deviating from sex norms has become pivotal in gender ideology, especially with pediatricians increasingly asserting that children as young as two years old can identify as transgender. Gender ideology now encourages parents to perceive any child's preference as a potential expression of "gender identity."

'Your son wears dresses? Perhaps he's trying to convey that he's a girl,' some reason.

'Your daughter favors toy trucks? Maybe she's trying to communicate that she's a boy,' they clarify.

Advocates of opposing viewpoints acknowledge the distinction between sex and the stereotypes associated with it.

God ordained people as male and female, a fundamental distinction ingrained at the cellular level and unchangeable. The perceived notions of femininity and masculinity, pertaining to our personalities, passions, choices, and talents, have no connection to our biology.

This truth liberates humanity from the constraints imposed by gender ideology. It allows women like Ilona Maher to engage in traditionally male-dominated sports like rugby without fear of being misconstrued. In fact, Maher demonstrates a genuine joy in embracing femininity on the rugby field.

During a post-bronze medal interview, she stated to the press:

Maher urges women to embrace their natural qualities, even if they do not conform to conventional perceptions of femininity. Her message promotes freedom and self-acceptance, particularly crucial for a generation of children being taught that deviating from sex stereotypes might suggest a "wrong" biological sex.

Families, heed Maher's example. Constantly reassure your children that they need not compromise themselves to conform to someone else's definition of masculinity or femininity. God has designed each child perfectly in their assigned sex — point blank.

And should you or your children engage with social media, refrain from engaging in online bullying. Deriding another's appearance is never the appropriate course of action.

Further Reading & Support

To connect with a family specialist or access resources, please call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Girls Don't Need to Be in the Boy Scouts

United Front of Feminists and Former Sorority Members, Riley Gaines, Defend Women's Spaces

The Toxic Anti-Masculine Movement: An Exclusive Interview with Professor Nancy Pearcey

Christianity's Approach to Reconciling the Concepts of Sex and Gender