Why Ilona Maher's transgender rumours still persist despite being proven cisgender
Ilona Maher's transgender rumours have followed her ever since she stepped into the spotlight because of how strong and muscular her body looks. Despite the facts, the claims persist. Iloha once said;
I get comments being called a man and being called masculine and being asked if I'm on steroids."
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Ilona Maher is a cisgender woman whose transgender rumours persist due to her muscular build.
- She has publicly addressed the false claims, highlighting the sexism and body shaming that strong female athletes often face.
- Maher is the most followed rugby player globally, and she uses her social media platforms to promote body positivity and normalise strength in women.
Ilona Maher's profile summary
| Full name | Ilona Delsing Rosa Maher |
| Age | 28 (as of July 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of birth | August 12, 1996 |
| Place of birth | Burlington, Vermont, U.S. |
| Parents | Michael and Mieneke Maher |
| Alma mater | Quinnipiac University |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 198 lb (90 kg) |
| Occupation | Rugby player |
Why do Ilona Maher's transgender rumours persist?
The reason Ilona Maher's transgender rumours persist comes down to how society views strong women. Many people attribute her athletic build as the primary reason behind the speculation. Her physique, especially the well-built shoulders and bold presence, has made her a target. However, the appearance can be attributed to Ilona Maher's background in rugby.
Online, the discourse about Ilona Maher's gender gets worse. Conspiracy groups have turned to cruel campaigns named "transvestigations". Such campaigns aim to "prove" female athletes are transgender based only on how they look.
Source: Getty Images
Has Ilona Maher commented on the transgender rumours?
Yes. Ilona has openly addressed these transgender rumours. Below are some instances where she responded:
Emotional video after the Paris Olympics
One of the most viral moments when she talked about the rumours and harassment was after the Paris Olympics. Ilona posted an emotional video addressing the negative remarks she had received. She revealed that some individuals had referred to her as a "man" and accused her of steroid use. Holding back tears, she stated,
"There will always be negative people out there. They put women in a box."
Maher made it clear that strong, skilled women like her often face unfair judgment just because of how they look. She ended the video with a message of hope, saying she wants young girls to dream of becoming athletes.
"That's what I feel like I'm giving them," she said.
Time Magazine interview
In an interview with Time magazine, Maher again spoke about the online abuse she receives. She shared that people often insult her by calling her a man or saying she looks too masculine because of her muscles. She added that these remarks usually come from people who are insecure and unhappy with themselves.
Public appearances and social media
Maher has utilised her platform, particularly on TikTok, to advocate against restrictive notions of femininity. She promotes body positivity and aims to prove that strength and femininity can coexist. Her goal is to normalise different body types and push for greater acceptance.
With her sharp wit, athletic talent, and bold online presence, Maher has garnered a strong following on social media. She regularly shares confident and empowering videos that encourage girls to reject body-shaming. She also celebrates her teammates using the hashtag #StrongIsFeminine to reinforce her message that power and beauty are not opposites.
What does Ilona Maher do now?
Ilona Maher remains active as a professional rugby player, but her influence now extends far beyond the sport. Her massive online presence has made her an influencer as well. She has more than 5 million followers on Instagram and 3.6 million followers on TikTok. She's used that reach to promote body positivity and shine a spotlight on rugby.
Source: Getty Images
Her popularity has led to major brand partnerships with notable names, including Adidas, TJ Maxx, L'Oréal, and others. She was selected as the brand ambassador for Secret deodorant in 2024. She also launched a skincare brand she co-founded, called Medalist.
Maher has also stepped into mainstream entertainment. In September 2024, she joined Dancing with the Stars season 33 and was paired with pro dancer Alan Bersten. She made history as the first rugby player to appear on the show. The pair made it to the finale and finished as runners-up behind The Bachelor star Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson.
FAQs about Ilona Maher
- Did Ilona Maher's childhood photo go viral? Yes, Ilona Maher's childhood photo went viral due to the recent criticism about her appearance.
- Is Ilona Maher LGBTQ? No, Ilona Maher is not LGBTQ. Ilona Maher identifies as straight.
- Why do Ilona Maher's transgender rumours still persist? Ilona Maher's transgender rumours persist because of her strong and muscular physique, which challenges traditional ideas of how women should look, especially in sports.
- Has Ilona Maher addressed the transgender rumours publicly? Yes, Ilona Maher has addressed the transgender rumours publicly, expressing her frustration and calling for respect, especially for strong women athletes.
- Why is Ilona Maher popular on social media? Ilona Maher is popular on social media because of her humour, athletic talent, body positivity messages, and her large following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
- What is Ilona Maher's skincare brand called? Ilona Maher's skincare brand is called Medalist, which she co-founded in 2024.
- What did Ilona Maher study at university? Ilona Maher studied nursing at Quinnipiac University.
- Where is Ilona Maher from? Ilona Maher is from Burlington, Vermont, United States.
Final word
Ilona Maher continues to face scrutiny simply because her athletic physique challenges outdated norms of femininity. The persistence of Ilona Maher's transgender rumours says more about society's discomfort with strong women than it does about her identity. Through emotional interviews, viral TikToks, and public appearances, Maher has bravely tackled the issue head-on.
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Proofreading by Masolo Mabonga, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
