A congressional hearing on May 7, 2025, spotlighted the escalating debate over transgender participation in women’s sports. The House Oversight Committee’s DOGE subcommittee convened to examine the case of Stephanie Turner, a female fencer who protested USA Fencing‘s inclusion policies by refusing to compete against a transgender athlete.
Turner, 31, was disqualified from the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland after taking a knee instead of facing Redmond Sullivan, a 20-year-old transgender fencer. Her protest led to a 12-month probation and her temporary departure from the sport. At the hearing, Turner described her actions as a “cry for help,” citing concerns over fairness and safety in women’s fencing. She emphasized the physical differences between male and female athletes, stating that fencing is a “combat sport” where such differences can impact performance.
USA Fencing Chairman Damien Lehfeldt, who was subpoenaed to testify, defended the organization’s policies that allow transgender women to compete after a year of hormone therapy. Lehfeldt faced criticism from Republican lawmakers for his stance and for a social media post made prior to the hearing, which appeared to show him making an obscene gesture. He later clarified that the image was cropped and that he was holding up two fingers.
During the hearing, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) questioned Lehfeldt on whether forcing women to change in front of men is abusive, to which he struggled to respond. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) challenged Lehfeldt to apologize to Turner, which he declined. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) criticized Lehfeldt for failing to protect female athletes.
The hearing also featured testimony from Payton McNabb, a former high school volleyball player who suffered a concussion after being hit by a ball spiked by a transgender athlete. McNabb shared her experience to highlight the potential safety risks of allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports.
USA Fencing has stated its commitment to inclusivity and adherence to the Ted Stevens Act, indicating no plans for leadership changes. The organization is currently under federal investigation for potential Title IX violations related to its gender eligibility policies.
