Outrage as female fencer disqualified for refusing to compete against transgender opponent

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND: A fencing match in Maryland turned into a national flashpoint this past weekend when competitor Stephanie Turner refused to face transgender athlete, Redmond Sullivan, at the Cherry Blossom Open.

Instead of drawing her sword, she took a knee and then took a stand. The Independent Council on Women’s Sports posted a video of the incident on X, triggering backlash in response to Turner’s disqualification, NY Post reported.

Fencer disqualified after refusing to compete against trans athlete

The moment, caught on camera and now viewed over 4 million times, shows Stephanie Turner removing her mask and calmly kneeling before the bout began. Her intended opponent, Redmond Sullivan, looked on, confused. A black card was issued for an official disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct.

“When I took the knee, I looked at the ref and said, I’m sorry, I cannot do this,” Turner later told Fox News. “I am a woman. This is a man. And this is a women’s tournament. I will not fence this individual.”

The two athletes were seen in a tense exchange that lasted several moments before a referee stepped in and issued Turner a black card, indicating a major rules violation or act of unsportsmanlike conduct.

Turner recounted the moment, saying, “Redmond didn’t hear me, and he comes up to me, and he thinks that I may be hurt, or he doesn’t understand what’s happening. He asks, ‘Are you OK?’ and I said, ‘I’m sorry. I have much love and respect for you, but I will not fence you.’” Turner did not use her intended opponent’s preferred pronouns during the exchange.

“Redmond says to me, ‘Well you know, there is a member on the board of directors here who supports me, and there is a policy that acknowledges me as a woman, so I am allowed to fence, and you will get black-card,’” Turner recalled. “And I said, ‘I know.’”

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova took to social media to express her fury. “This is what happens when female athletes protest! Anyone here still thinks this is fair??? I am fuming… and shame on @USAFencing, shame on you for doing this. How dare you throw women under the gender bulls**t bus!!!”

Former NCAA fencer Juliana Peceli also weighed in, saying, “As a retired D1 @NCAA fencer, I was forced to compete against men who claimed to be women. Female athletes dedicate our lives to our sport, only to have men take our spots, our titles, and our future. Kudos to the women who refuse to accept this injustice. ”

USA Fencing defends decision to disqualify female fencer

USA Fencing stood firm on its decision regarding fencer Stephanie Turner, clarifying that her removal was not based on personal opinions but rather on her refusal to compete against an eligible opponent. The governing body emphasized that its actions were dictated by existing regulations, not ideology.

“USA Fencing is obligated to follow the letter of those rules and ensure that participants respect the standards set at the international level,” the organization stated.

The sport’s governing body reiterated that its current policy on transgender and non-binary athletes was updated in 2023 to foster inclusivity. The aim, USA Fencing explained, was to expand access to the sport while ensuring fair competition.

“The policy was designed to expand access to the sport of fencing and create inclusive, safe spaces. The policy is based on the principle that everyone should have the ability to participate in sports and was based upon the research available of the day,” the statement read.

At the same time, USA Fencing acknowledged the growing debate surrounding its stance. It called for open discussion but urged members to engage respectfully, both in tournaments and online.

“We respect the viewpoints on all sides and encourage our members to continue sharing them with us as the matter evolves. It’s important for the fencing community to engage in this dialogue, but we expect this conversation to be conducted respectfully, whether at our tournaments or in online spaces. The way to progress is by respectful discussion based in evidence,” the statement concluded.

Backlash grows after female fencer penalized for skipping trans match

A female fencer’s disqualification after refusing to compete against a transgender opponent has sparked intense debate and fiery reactions across social media. The decision has ignited a broader conversation around fairness, biology, and the state of women’s sports.

“If all the women would do this, it would end overnight because the tournaments couldn't happen and no money would be made,” one user wrote.

Another added, “This takes a lot of courage. AND THIS IS THE ONLY WAY THIS STOPS. Women have to say no to men. No, no, no, no and no..”

Others expressed their support more directly: “Three cheers to her!!! Hip hip HOORAY! What a brave woman she is! Way. To. Go!!!”

Criticism of transgender participation in women’s sports also came through strongly. “HORRIBLE. Get men out of women’s sports,” one user wrote.

”@USAFencing You should be protecting your female athletes. No woman should have to take a stand like this, at her personal cost. Fix your damn policy and stop men competing in the women’s fencing category,” one wrote.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.