WATCH: Riley Gaines and crowd laugh after anthropologist can’t admit bones show sex differences
Heather Hamilton
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A crowd broke into laughter as an anthropologist denied differences in people’s bones based on their biological sex.
While speaking at the University of Pittsburgh this week, Riley Gaines addressed her experience swimming against Lia Thomas, a biological male who identifies as a transgender female.
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During her speech, the former championship swimmer-turned-women’s sports advocate asked an anthropologist about the biological differences of bones.
“I actually have a question for you. You being an anthropologist, which anthropology is the study of human civilization,” Gaines said as the anthropologist noted that his area of study includes a focus on biology.
“So if you were to dig up a human, two humans, in 100 years from now, both man and woman, could you tell the difference, strictly off of bones?” Gaines questioned.
The anthropologist said, “No,” as those in attendance burst into laughter.
“I’m not sure why I’m being laughed at if I’m the expert in the room,” the anthropologist said. “Have any of you been to archaeological sites? Have any of you studied biological anthropology? I’m just saying, I’ve got over 150 years of data. I’m just curious as to why I’m being laughed at.”
As Gaines began to explain that she had “put a lot of research into this,” the anthropologist cut her off to say: “I have a Ph.D.”
The crowd once again began to laugh.
Video of the interaction went viral as Twitter users responded, suggesting the anthropologist was “either incompetent or lying.”
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One person tweeted in response: “LOL — yeah, so how then do forensic anthropologists figure out remains being male or female? Oh, yes, bone differences. Pelvis, hips, more.”
Gaines recently praised the World Athletics’ banning of biological males who identify as transgender women from competing in female sporting events. She called for greater action to be taken to protect younger girls’ sports.