Fencer Takes a Stand by Refusing Match Against Trans Athlete
A fencer who declined to compete against a transgender opponent at a Maryland tournament is now speaking publicly about her decision.
What Happened at the Cherry Blossom Open?
During the Cherry Blossom Open on March 29 at the University of Maryland, Stephanie Turner and Redmond Sullivan were set to face off in a regional match. But Turner took a knee instead of fencing—an act that led to her immediate disqualification.
Turner Explains Her Choice
Before the event, Turner checked the match list online and saw Sullivan’s name. She recognized her from a previous article and told Fox News she felt “disappointed” and “at a loss.”
As the match began, Turner knelt. An official asked if she was refusing to fence. She confirmed, saying, “I’m refusing because this person is a man, and I am a woman. This is a women’s tournament, and I’m taking a stand on principle.”
Sullivan’s Reaction
At first, Sullivan thought Turner was hurt. She walked over and asked if she was okay. Turner responded, “I’m sorry. I have much love and respect for you, but I will not fence you.”
Turner had decided the night before to take a knee if the two were matched. She explained, “I left it in God’s hands. If this person showed up on my sheet, I would take a knee. That would be God’s will.”
Rules and Consequences
Sullivan reminded Turner that the governing board allowed her to compete and warned that refusing to fence would result in a disqualification, known in fencing as being “black carded.” Turner remained firm. She accepted the consequences, saying, “As a woman, I don’t have a choice about where I compete. I face an athletic disadvantage, so I compete in the women’s division.”
She also acknowledged the personal risk: “This will probably, at least for a moment, destroy my life.”
Support for Sullivan
Sullivan’s fencing club defended her participation. Iconic Fencing Club issued a statement to the Daily Express US:
“Fencing is rooted in honor, inclusion, and respect. The behavior displayed by Red’s opponent does not align with our values. We support Red fully in her fencing journey.”
USA Fencing Responds
USA Fencing also addressed the incident. A spokesperson told UNILAD that Turner was disqualified not for her beliefs but for refusing to compete against an eligible athlete.
They cited FIE Technical Rule t.113, which states that any refusal to fence a properly entered competitor results in disqualification.
A Call for Dialogue
USA Fencing referred to its 2023 policy on transgender and non-binary athletes, which aims to foster inclusivity. They emphasized:
“Everyone should be able to participate in sports. We welcome respectful dialogue from all perspectives as this conversation continues.”
The organization urged members to keep discussions civil—both in competitions and online—stating, “Progress comes through dialogue based in evidence.”
