A female fencer, Stephanie Turner, has made headlines after she was disqualified from a tournament in Maryland for refusing to compete against a transgender athlete. Turner, 31, took a knee during her match against Redmond Sullivan, who identifies as a woman but was assigned male at birth. This incident occurred at a USA Fencing event over the weekend.
Turner expressed her gratitude for being able to stand up for women’s sports. She thanked God for the opportunity to protest and acknowledged the support she received from the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS). ICONS has been a source of encouragement for her and other women facing similar challenges.
The situation unfolded when Turner discovered that Sullivan, who previously competed in men’s events, would be her opponent. She had not been aware of Sullivan’s participation and typically avoids competitions that allow male athletes. Upon realizing the match-up, she decided to take a knee as a form of protest.
In an interview, Turner recounted her experience, stating that when she took a knee, Sullivan approached her, concerned about her well-being. Turner clarified her stance, explaining that she could not compete against a male in a women’s tournament. Sullivan informed her that he had support from the tournament’s governing body and that he was allowed to compete.
Turner stood firm in her beliefs, stating, “I am a woman, and this is a man, and this is a women’s tournament. And I will not fence this individual.” She acknowledged the consequences of her actions, including the possibility of being disqualified, but felt compelled to act according to her principles.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about gender identity in sports, particularly regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s competitions. Turner’s protest has resonated with many, as seen by the quick spread of video footage of her actions on social media.
As the debate continues, Turner remains committed to advocating for fairness in women’s sports, emphasizing the need for policies that protect female athletes.
