Female Fencer Refuses to Compete Against Transgender Opponent, Sparks Debate
A female fencer was disqualified from a fencing competition after refusing to compete against a transgender opponent, reigniting the debate over fairness, inclusivity, and gender identity in sports.
The Incident at the Cherry Blossom Open
The incident occurred at the Cherry Blossom Open fencing tournament at the University of Maryland on March 30, 2025. Stephanie Turner, a 31-year-old fencer, made headlines when she refused to compete against Redmond Sullivan, a transgender athlete competing in the women’s division.
As the bout was about to begin, Turner took a knee in protest, signaling her refusal to participate in the match. Her decision resulted in an immediate disqualification from the tournament.
Turner later explained her actions, stating that she believed it was unfair for biological males to compete in women’s sports. She expressed concerns over competitive fairness, physical safety, and the broader implications for female athletes.
Turner Speaks Out
Following the incident, Turner took to social media to share her thoughts.
“I respect everyone’s right to live as they choose, but that does not mean we should ignore biological differences in sports. I trained for this competition expecting to compete against women. This is not about hate—it’s about fairness.”
Turner’s comments quickly went viral, with thousands of supporters and critics weighing in. Many applauded her for standing up for women’s sports, while others accused her of being discriminatory.
USA Fencing Responds
USA Fencing, the governing body for the sport in the United States, issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and its existing gender policies.
“USA Fencing has upheld gender identity inclusion policies since 2023, ensuring all athletes can compete in divisions aligning with their gender identity. Our organization remains committed to fostering a welcoming environment for all competitors.”
Under USA Fencing’s current rules, transgender athletes are allowed to compete in the gender category they identify with. The organization believes this aligns with broader efforts in sports to promote inclusivity.
The Ongoing Debate
This incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate about transgender athletes in competitive sports. Advocates for inclusion argue that transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in accordance with their gender identity. They emphasize that sport is about more than biology—it’s about skill, training, and dedication.
On the other side, critics argue that biological males, even after transitioning, retain certain physical advantages that make competition unfair for cisgender women. They cite studies indicating differences in strength, endurance, and muscle mass that may persist even after hormone therapy.
Former Olympians and female athletes have weighed in on the issue, with some expressing support for Turner. Others argue that sports organizations should work on solutions that balance fairness with inclusivity, such as creating separate divisions for transgender athletes or adjusting competition guidelines.
What’s Next?
Turner’s disqualification has led to calls for USA Fencing and other sports organizations to revisit their policies on transgender participation. Meanwhile, lawmakers in some states are pushing for legislation to restrict transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear—this issue is far from settled. With more transgender athletes competing at high levels, sports organizations will need to navigate the complex balance between inclusivity and fairness in competition.
