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“Just A Bigot”: Female Fencer Breaks Silence After Refusing To Compete Against Trans Athlete
Fencer Stephanie Turner has spoken out after being disqualified for taking a knee and refusing to compete against a transgender opponent.
The incident occurred on March 30 during a USA Fencing-sanctioned tournament in Maryland. Footage of the controversial moment has since been viewed over 7 million times on X (formerly Twitter).
Turner removed her mask and took a knee in protest ahead of her bout against fencer Redmond Sullivan. As a result, the referee issued her a black card, disqualifying her from the event.
Highlights
- Stephanie Turner stood by her decision to take a knee and refuse to fence against trans athlete Redmond Sullivan.
- Turner was disqualified for the incident, as she violated rules prohibiting fencers from refusing to compete against another fencer.
- In a new interview, she misgendered Sullivan and said she knew that her actions would get her disqualified.
Speaking to Fox News, Stephanie stated that she “had no choice” but to refuse the bout.
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Stephanie Turner was disqualified from a fencing tournament in Maryland, USA, for refusing to compete against transgender opponent Redmond Sullivan
Image credits: Ahmet Kurt/Unsplash
“There’s nothing for me, and there’s everything for him,” she said, referring to Sullivan without her preferred pronouns.
“Because I have no choice as a woman, as a female, in where I compete. I am a woman, and I have an athletic disadvantage to men.”
The fencer shared that she made the decision to take a knee the previous night when she realized who her opponent would be.
“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.'”
Image credits: Fox News
She claimed that Sullivan didn’t hear what she told the referee, and thought she had taken a knee because she was injured.
“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.’
“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 carded,’ and I said, ‘I know.'”
Turner took a knee to protest the inclusion of Sullivan, who USA Fencing said was an eligible opponent
Image credits: icons_women
She explained that she was given a copy of the association’s transgender policy, asked to sign a document acknowledging her disqualification, and was escorted away.
Sullivan’s team, Iconic Fencing Club, told The Daily Express US that she had followed every rule and guideline set forth by the FIE, the international fencing governing organization, and USA Fencing.
“She has every right to compete in the events that she qualifies for, and has long since met the criteria to do so,” the team stated, adding that Turner’s behavior “has no place” in a sport rooted in “sportsmanship and inclusion.”
Image credits: icons_women
USA Fencing confirmed that Sullivan had been disqualified for the match over the incident. In a statement, the organization said she was expelled for refusing to fence an opponent, regardless of the opponent’s gender identity.
Her actions violate International Fencing Federation rules, which prohibit fencers from refusing to compete against another fencer.
“USA Fencing’s responsibility is to ensure that all athletes, regardless of their personal positions, compete under the same rules established by our international federation,” the statement reads.
“According to the FIE (International Fencing Federation) Technical Rules, specifically Article t.113, a fencer is not permitted to refuse to fence another properly entered fencer for any reason.
“Under these rules, such a refusal results in disqualification and the corresponding sanctions. This policy exists to maintain fair competition standards and preserve the sport’s integrity.”
Turner stated she “had no choice” but to refuse the match, citing an athletic disadvantage for cis women competing against trans women
Image credits: Reduxx
USA Fencing denied that Sullivan’s disqualification was “related to any personal statement,” stating it was the result of her “decision to decline to fence an eligible opponent.”
The organization enacted a policy for transgender and non-binary athletes in 2023.
Athletes who have transitioned from male to female can compete in USA Fencing-sanctioned competitions after completing a year of testosterone suppression treatment, the rule states.
Those who meet these requirements must provide proof of compliance with hormone therapy prior to competition.
Image credits: icons_women
USA Fencing said the policy was designed “to expand access to the sport of fencing and create inclusive, safe spaces,” and that it’s “based on the principle that everyone should have the ability to participate in sports and was based upon the research available of the day.”
She was disqualified for violating International Fencing Federation rules, which prohibit fencers from refusing to compete against another fencer
🤺🚨Historic Protest: Female Fencer Takes a Knee in Bout Against Male Opponent, Faces Immediate Disqualification
After receiving a black card for refusing to compete against a man, Redmond Sullivan’s female opponent was expelled from the @USAFencing event at the Univ. of… pic.twitter.com/IloSnrb2Iu
— ICONS (@icons_women) April 2, 2025
Image credits: icons_women
Image credits: USAFencing
The organization told Fox News: “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 on evidence.”
Before the bout, she told the referee: “I am a woman, and this is a man, and this is a women’s tournament. And I will not fence this individual”
Image credits: Fox News
The moment gained further traction when tennis player and gay rights advocate Martina Navratilova expressed support for Turner on X.
She wrote: “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*** bus!!!”
Tennis player and gay rights advocate Martina Navratilova supported Turner on social media
Image credits: Martina
Image credits: Martina
Image credits: Fox News
A Gallup poll from 2023 found that 69% of Americans believe transgender athletes should only be allowed to compete on teams that match their sex assigned at birth.
The issue remains a topic of debate nationwide, as different sports leagues implement different policies on the inclusion of trans athletes.
Supporters of restricting or banning trans athletes argue that such policies are necessary to protect cisgender athletes’ safety. In contrast, opponents believe that these measures lead to the exclusion and stigmatization of a marginalized group.
People continued to debate whether Turner was right to refuse to compete against Sullivan
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What do you think ?
Jason 8 months ago
There should be leagues just for trans people. It is the only way there can be fairness. This is not hate. No one can fully change a gender. That is not how life works. Your opinion won't change that either. I am trans.
Sathe Wesker 8 months ago
I completely agree with you. And also with no hate. You are right that “no one and can fully change a gender” no matter how many hormonal treatments have been made. I respect your choice and right to make the change, but that is NOT the issue here. It IS fairness. And again, you are right, that’s just not how life (or science, or biology, or hormones) work.
Load More Replies...
Unholy Diver 8 months ago
Advantage or not, a woman shouldn't be forced to compete against a biological man, in women's league.
mildred angueira franceschi 8 months ago
You couldn't have said it better. If the league was coed that would be fine, but this is specifically a women's league. I compliment her for standing up to her rights. I'm in full agreement with what she did.
Load More Replies...
🇺🇦 PrincessPatton 🇺🇦 8 months ago
Anyone who writes here that there shouldn't be trans women in women's sports is immediately labeled a maga, anti-trans and is automatically downvoted. But that's not fair! This is a SPORT! You don't beat your opponent by having a more beautiful soul, nobler character and higher morals. You beat him by being better at the sport, even if in real life you are a disgusting MAGA rat. You are better when you have the talent for your sport, the physical ability, the willpower, you train honestly, and yes, you also need luck. In the sport of fencing, it's an advantage if you're tall and have long limbs, because you can reach your opponent more easily while keeping them off your body, making it harder for them to hit you. Redmond Sullivan was born a female in a male body, a trans woman. While I support lgbtq+ rights (because I am one), when it comes to sports, I side with ciswomen. Because sports are about bodies. And in most cases, it's harder for a female body to beat a male body. GhToIHoXkA...e9115e.jpg 
superfluous 8 months ago
I didn't see any maga comments? I like the picture you used here.
Load More Replies...
Inglourioustmnt 8 months ago
I fully support trans rights. Gender dysphoria is real. Not gonna pretend to understand it as i don’t have it. Sucks that you weren't born as the gender you feel. But transitioning has limitations, such as you cant just compete in competitive sport against biological females. It’s just not fair. Every real scientific study has confirmed this. Once you go through puberty as male, you have an advantage. Just like how you can’t get juiced up on steroids and compete. Most of the women supporting this are older and no longer playing sports, and never had to deal with this issue yet are more than happy to force the younger generation to do so.
superfluous 8 months ago
Where are you getting that older women that don't compete anymore support trans females in women's sport?? Support for that claim?
Load More Replies...
Austzn 8 months ago
Is fencing really a sport where brute strength matters? If there is another potential advantage like height, well that's pretty easy to pair up without involving s*x. I say let the sports organizations determine what counts as fair and equitable for their respective sport.
Auntriarch 8 months ago (edited)
I'm old enough to remember when "women aren't strong enough to compete in equestrian events". Then when they did, and won, "ah well it's the horse that does all the work"....
Load More Replies...
Simeon Nevel 8 months ago
I have no problem with people living and presenting themselves in a way that best represents their feeling about themselve. But there's a reason there's a clear distinction between men's and women's sports.
Pyla 8 months ago
Truth is, if you are post pubescent transitioning into a woman, you have a full hormonal dose of testosterone affecting your body that will give you the advantage. make a trans category. It's not fair to women, then to call them bigots. I rode showjumpers, all mixed genders, in field hunting there are "men's mounts" and "ladies", but my current horse is 16.3 hh and a behemoth by any standard. But my advantage I know how to ride him on par with any man. But I can't lift the same amount, I can't jump as high or run as far. Estrogen took care of that.
JB 8 months ago (edited)
Fencing is an intensive physical sport. Male biology has an advantage. Ladies you are welcome into my gym, my changing room; I will treat you with the respect you deserve as a person. But no, I won’t stand by and let you say your gender is more important than the fact I was born female. I identify as female. I accept I’m smaller and weaker than men. I will welcome you into every other space so you know you are accepted. But you can’t actually change the rules of biology. So, I’ll give as much as I can. What I can’t give you is the experience of being born into the right body.
Jason 8 months ago
There should be leagues just for trans people. It is the only way there can be fairness. This is not hate. No one can fully change a gender. That is not how life works. Your opinion won't change that either. I am trans.
Sathe Wesker 8 months ago
I completely agree with you. And also with no hate. You are right that “no one and can fully change a gender” no matter how many hormonal treatments have been made. I respect your choice and right to make the change, but that is NOT the issue here. It IS fairness. And again, you are right, that’s just not how life (or science, or biology, or hormones) work.
Load More Replies... Unholy Diver 8 months ago
Advantage or not, a woman shouldn't be forced to compete against a biological man, in women's league.
mildred angueira franceschi 8 months ago
You couldn't have said it better. If the league was coed that would be fine, but this is specifically a women's league. I compliment her for standing up to her rights. I'm in full agreement with what she did.
Load More Replies... 🇺🇦 PrincessPatton 🇺🇦 8 months ago
Anyone who writes here that there shouldn't be trans women in women's sports is immediately labeled a maga, anti-trans and is automatically downvoted. But that's not fair! This is a SPORT! You don't beat your opponent by having a more beautiful soul, nobler character and higher morals. You beat him by being better at the sport, even if in real life you are a disgusting MAGA rat. You are better when you have the talent for your sport, the physical ability, the willpower, you train honestly, and yes, you also need luck. In the sport of fencing, it's an advantage if you're tall and have long limbs, because you can reach your opponent more easily while keeping them off your body, making it harder for them to hit you. Redmond Sullivan was born a female in a male body, a trans woman. While I support lgbtq+ rights (because I am one), when it comes to sports, I side with ciswomen. Because sports are about bodies. And in most cases, it's harder for a female body to beat a male body. GhToIHoXkA...e9115e.jpg
superfluous 8 months ago
I didn't see any maga comments? I like the picture you used here.
Load More Replies... Inglourioustmnt 8 months ago
I fully support trans rights. Gender dysphoria is real. Not gonna pretend to understand it as i don’t have it. Sucks that you weren't born as the gender you feel. But transitioning has limitations, such as you cant just compete in competitive sport against biological females. It’s just not fair. Every real scientific study has confirmed this. Once you go through puberty as male, you have an advantage. Just like how you can’t get juiced up on steroids and compete. Most of the women supporting this are older and no longer playing sports, and never had to deal with this issue yet are more than happy to force the younger generation to do so.
superfluous 8 months ago
Where are you getting that older women that don't compete anymore support trans females in women's sport?? Support for that claim?
Load More Replies... Austzn 8 months ago
Is fencing really a sport where brute strength matters? If there is another potential advantage like height, well that's pretty easy to pair up without involving s*x. I say let the sports organizations determine what counts as fair and equitable for their respective sport.
Auntriarch 8 months ago (edited)
I'm old enough to remember when "women aren't strong enough to compete in equestrian events". Then when they did, and won, "ah well it's the horse that does all the work"....
Load More Replies... Simeon Nevel 8 months ago
I have no problem with people living and presenting themselves in a way that best represents their feeling about themselve. But there's a reason there's a clear distinction between men's and women's sports.
Pyla 8 months ago
Truth is, if you are post pubescent transitioning into a woman, you have a full hormonal dose of testosterone affecting your body that will give you the advantage. make a trans category. It's not fair to women, then to call them bigots. I rode showjumpers, all mixed genders, in field hunting there are "men's mounts" and "ladies", but my current horse is 16.3 hh and a behemoth by any standard. But my advantage I know how to ride him on par with any man. But I can't lift the same amount, I can't jump as high or run as far. Estrogen took care of that.
JB 8 months ago (edited)
Fencing is an intensive physical sport. Male biology has an advantage. Ladies you are welcome into my gym, my changing room; I will treat you with the respect you deserve as a person. But no, I won’t stand by and let you say your gender is more important than the fact I was born female. I identify as female. I accept I’m smaller and weaker than men. I will welcome you into every other space so you know you are accepted. But you can’t actually change the rules of biology. So, I’ll give as much as I can. What I can’t give you is the experience of being born into the right body.
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