At the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland, women’s fencer Stephanie Turner refused to compete against transgender athlete Redmond Sullivan. Turner, 31, took a knee in protest before the bout, stating, “I am a woman, and this is a man, and this is a women’s tournament.”
Turner had anticipated facing Sullivan upon reviewing the competition pools the night before. Despite participating in four bouts earlier that day, she felt compelled to act during her scheduled match with Sullivan. Her protest led to immediate disqualification and escort from the venue.
Turner shared, “I knew what I had to do because USA Fencing had not been listening to women’s objections regarding [its gender eligibility policy].”
“I took a knee immediately at that point. Redmond was under the impression that I was going to start fencing. So when I took the knee, I looked at the ref and I said, ‘I’m sorry, I cannot do this. I am a woman, and this is a man, and this is a women’s tournament. And I will not fence this individual,'” Turner went on to add.
Turner received a black card—USA Fencing’s harshest penalty—resulting in immediate expulsion for what officials labeled unsportsmanlike conduct. She was taken to the bout committee, forced to explain her actions, and then made to sign a document acknowledging her penalty under protest. According to Turner, she was handed a copy of the association’s transgender policy before being escorted from the venue.
This incident adds to the ongoing national debate over transgender participation in women’s sports. In October 2024, the University of Wyoming’s women’s volleyball team forfeited a match against San Jose State due to the presence of transgender athlete Blaire Fleming on the opposing team. San Jose State expressed disappointment, emphasizing their athletes’ compliance with NCAA and Mountain West rules.
Similarly, in February 2025, 15-year-old high school basketball player Frances Staudt from Washington state faced allegations of bullying and harassment after refusing to play against a transgender athlete. The Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism (FAIR) filed a civil rights complaint on her behalf, questioning the school’s handling of the situation.
Turner’s stand echoes growing concerns among female athletes and parents who argue that current gender policies sacrifice fairness and biological reality in favor of ideological agendas. As governing bodies like USA Fencing and the NCAA continue to enforce rules that permit biological males in women’s sports, critics warn of the long-term consequences for female competition, opportunity, and safety.
