Fencer Disqualified for Refusing to Compete Against Transgender Opponent

A fencer was disqualified from a women's tournament in Maryland after refusing to compete against a transgender opponent. Stephanie Turner, participating in a USA Fencing-sanctioned regional tournament at the University of Maryland, took a knee in protest before her match against Redmond Sullivan. An official then issued a black card, leading to her disqualification from the remainder of the tournament.

Turner explained her refusal, stating she would not fence because she is a woman and her opponent is a man, and the tournament was for women. She has not been disqualified from other events.

USA Fencing stated that a fencer is not permitted to refuse to compete against another properly entered fencer for any reason. Such a refusal results in disqualification to maintain fair competition standards and preserve the sport's integrity. The organization acknowledged the evolving conversation around transgender participation. They are committed to amending the policy as more research emerges or as policy changes occur within the Olympic & Paralympic movement.

Turner's protest occurred amidst a backdrop of political debate. President Donald Trump and his administration had taken actions against transgender people, including banning transgender athletes from women's sports. In January, he signed an executive order defining sex as male or female. A federal judge later blocked the enforcement of a Trump executive order banning transgender people from the military.

In 2023, USA Fencing implemented a policy allowing transgender and non-binary athletes to compete in a manner consistent with their gender identity. The policy states that USA Fencing will not discriminate based on gender identity or expression for participation in any division.