Philadelphia fencer Stephanie Turner decided not to compete against a transgender opponent at a fencing tournament — and now she’s been recognized for it.
She was scheduled to fence 20-year-old Redmond Sullivan, who represents the University of Maryland, at a USA Fencing event on March 30.
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Turner, who fences for the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, chose to step away instead of going through with the match.
She removed her mask and took a knee
When the time came, Turner removed her mask, took a knee on the piste, and spoke to Sullivan.
“I’m sorry, but I will not fence you. You’re a man, and I’m a woman, and this is a women’s tournament. I have much love and respect for you, but I will not fence you.”
The referee issued a black card for the forfeit
The decision came with consequences. Turner was given a black card by the referee, which is considered a serious penalty.
According to the Academy of Fencing Masters, that type of card signals the “definitive and negative end of competition for a fencer” who’s seen as breaking the sport’s code of honor.
Turner said she didn’t want to get hurt
Afterward, Turner explained her choice by saying she was worried about getting injured.
She said she stepped back for her “own physical safety” and didn’t want to risk harm during the match.
A group defending women’s sports backed her
Shortly after the incident, a campaign group called XX-XY Athletics came forward in support of Turner.
The group focuses on what it calls protecting women’s sports.
The group says sex matters in athletic performance
Their position is clear. “Sex matters. It is the single biggest determinant of athletic performance. It is unfair and dangerous to allow males (XY) to compete in girls and women’s (XX) sports.
“For women to compete safely and fairly, women’s sports need to remain female.”
Turner received an award, cash prize, and program access
As a show of support, the group gave Turner its Courage Wins Award.
Along with that came a $5,000 prize and access to their leadership program.
The founder called her a real hero
XX-XY founder Jennifer Sey praised Turner’s actions.
She said Turner “became more powerful than any male when she took a knee” and described her as “a real hero.”
Another athlete had won the same award before
This wasn’t the first time the group had given out the award.
Sia Liilii received it previously, after leading her volleyball team at the University of Nevada to boycott a match. That game would’ve been against San Jose State, which had a transgender player on its team.
Well-known athletes backed Turner up online
The whole thing picked up even more attention when tennis legend and LGBTQ rights advocate Martina Navratilova jumped in on X to show support for Turner.
She posted, “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!!!”*
USA Fencing said she broke the rules by refusing to fence
USA Fencing responded as well. In a statement to UNILAD, a spokesperson said Turner was not penalized for protesting — but because she wouldn’t compete against someone who was officially eligible.
“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,” the spokesperson continued.
“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.”
Officials say they want respectful discussion on inclusion
They also acknowledged that this conversation is ongoing.
“We will always err on the side of inclusion, and we’re committed to amending the policy as more relevant evidence-based research emerges, or as policy changes take effect in the wider Olympic & Paralympic movement.”
They encourage open dialogue from all sides
“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 in evidence.”
Thanks to this moment, the debate isn’t slowing down anytime soon. And it looks like more voices are just getting ready to join in.
