A fencer in the United States has ignited international controversy after she refused to compete against a transgender woman during a recent tournament in Maryland.
In a viral video from the Cherry Blossom Open, Stephanie Turner is seen removing her mask and kneeling in front of her scheduled opponent, trans athlete Redmond Sullivan, instead of taking her position to fence.
As the bout was about to begin, Turner declined to participate, prompting confusion from Sullivan, who approached her to check if she was injured.
“When I took the knee, I looked at the ref and I said, ‘I’m sorry, I cannot do this. I am a woman, and this is a man, and this is a women’s tournament. And I will not fence this individual’,” Turner later told Fox News, deliberately misgendering her opponent.
According to Turner, Sullivan initially didn’t understand what was happening. “Redmond didn’t hear me… he thinks that I may be hurt,” she said. “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 said Sullivan responded by pointing out that USA Fencing policies recognise her gender identity and that she was eligible to compete. Turner acknowledged this, reportedly replying, “I know,” before the referee issued her a black card, disqualifying her from the tournament.
Stephanie Turner said:
“It will probably, at least for a moment, destroy my life.”Turner knelt to stand up for women’s sports.
She’s a hero.
Doing the right thing is never wrong.
Share this ad to show her she has our support. pic.twitter.com/S8mCHBzMiD
— Jennifer Sey (@JenniferSey) April 3, 2025
The video, posted by ICONS (Independent Council on Women’s Sports), a group that campaigns against the inclusion of trans women in female sports, went viral on social media, receiving thousands of shares and comments.
In response to the incident, USA Fencing released a statement clarifying that Turner’s disqualification was not based on her personal views, but on her refusal to compete.
“USA Fencing is obligated to follow the letter of those rules and ensure that participants respect the standards set at the international level,” the organisation said.
It noted that Turner had violated competition regulations by failing to fence an eligible opponent.
USA Fencing updated its policies in 2023 to include clear guidelines on transgender and non-binary athletes. The organisation said the policy was intended “to expand access to the sport of fencing and create inclusive, safe spaces.”
“We respect the viewpoints on all sides and encourage our members to continue sharing them with us as the matter evolves,” the statement continued. “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 controversy comes amid renewed political focus on trans participation in sport, including recent executive orders from President Donald Trump seeking to ban trans women and girls from female sporting categories.
