"Politics" is not "political correctness". Don't let the similarity in words confuse. Sexism in technology has nothing to do with politics (or only in the most broad sense of the word, in which case everything is "political")
In my opinion it is essentially a political issue. Isn't all politics essential debate about what is right and wrong. Is it right if farmers get subsidies? Is it right to enforce trade embargoes? And so on. Some issues might seem to us to be so clear cut that it seems obvious what is right, but judging by the discussions, not everybody agrees.
It doesn't state that politics are off topic. It states that most stories about politics are off topic. Two very different things.
edit: For example, Language Log will often go into detail on campaign trail gaffes from a linguistic perspective. That's in the realm of politics, but I think you'd agree it fits on HN.
If you can present a discussion about sexist and racist behavior that "satisfies intellectual curiosity", you might have a winner.