Stephanie Turner, a women’s fencer, made headlines when she took a knee and refused to compete against transgender athlete Redmond Sullivan at the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland. Turner had decided not to fence against Sullivan after seeing that they were in the same competition pool, feeling that it was unfair to be competing against a biological male in a women’s tournament. Turner’s refusal was met with a black card and expulsion from the tournament as a result of violating the rules regarding not fencing against eligible opponents. Despite this, Turner stood by her decision to prioritize women’s sports and the integrity of the competition.
USA Fencing released a statement addressing the incident, stating that their transgender policy was implemented in 2023 to create inclusive and safe spaces for all athletes. The organization emphasized the importance of providing access to sports for everyone while acknowledging the differing viewpoints on the matter. According to USA Fencing, Turner’s disqualification was due to her refusal to fence, rather than a statement against trans inclusion. The rules prohibiting the refusal to compete against an eligible opponent aim to maintain fair competition standards and preserve the sport’s integrity.
Turner had actively avoided fencing events with transgender participants in the past to uphold her beliefs and ensure her safety. She explained that she made a conscious decision to compete against Sullivan at the Cherry Blossom Open, seeing it as ‘God’s will’ if they were to meet in the competition. Despite being aware of the potential backlash and consequences of her actions, Turner remained steadfast in her commitment to protecting women’s sports and standing up for her beliefs. She acknowledged that taking a stand against trans inclusion may have personal and professional repercussions, including potential damage to her relationships within the LGBT community.
Although Turner has faced criticism and backlash for her actions, she remains resolute in her stance on the issue of trans inclusion in women’s sports. She expressed concern about the impact her decision could have on her friendships within the LGBT community, as well as her political affiliations as a lifelong Democrat who now identifies as a “new Republican conservative.” Turner cited her support for President Donald Trump’s actions to cut funding to states that allow trans athletes to compete in women’s sports and criticized what she perceives as misinformation and manipulation by those advocating for trans inclusion in sports.
Despite the challenges and sacrifices she may face as a result of her actions, Turner remains committed to upholding the integrity of women’s sports and ensuring fair competition. She highlighted the importance of engaging in respectful dialogue and discussions on the matter, emphasizing the need for evidence-based conversations to address the complexities of trans inclusion in sports. Turner’s decision to take a knee and refuse to compete against a transgender athlete has sparked debate and controversy within the fencing community and beyond, shedding light on the ongoing discussions surrounding gender identity and inclusion in sports.
