Warning: This article discusses discrimination against the trans community, which some readers may find distressing.
A female athlete who chose not to compete against a transgender rival has been honored with an award for her ‘bravery’ by a campaign organization.
Stephanie Turner, a member of the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, was scheduled to face 20-year-old Redmond Sullivan, a transgender athlete from the University of Maryland, during a USA Fencing tournament on March 30. Instead of competing, Turner opted out of the match.
In a demonstration of protest, Turner removed her mask and kneeled on the piste, informing Sullivan that she would not partake in the match. She reportedly said, “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 31-year-old received a black card from the referee for her forfeiture. According to the Academy of Fencing Masters, this is a severe penalty that signifies the ‘definitive and negative end of competition for a fencer’ who has breached the code of honor.
Turner explained her decision by stating she was concerned about her ‘own physical safety,’ claiming she did not want to ‘get hurt’ by her opponent.
Since then, the fencer has gained support from XX-XY Athletics, a campaign group dedicated to ‘protecting women’s sport.’
Their mission statement asserts: “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.”
XX-XY Athletics has presented Turner with its Courage Wins Award, a $5,000 prize, and entry into its leadership program.
Jennifer Sey, founder of XX-XY Athletics, praised Turner in a statement, noting she ‘became more powerful than any male when she took a knee’ and called the long-time female fencer ‘a real hero.’
The group also aims to ‘mitigate the impact of monetary cancellation’ and provide a ‘platform’ offering ‘community’ and ‘support,’ as reported by The Daily Mail.
Previously, Sia Liilii received the award for leading her University of Nevada volleyball team in boycotting a game against San Jose State University due to the presence of a trans player, The Daily Mail reports further.
A USA Fencing spokesperson told UNILAD that Turner was not penalized for her protest, but for declining to fence an ‘eligible opponent.’
“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 added.
“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.”
They also acknowledged that the discussion surrounding trans athletes in sports is ‘evolving,’ and stated: “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.
“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.”
If you have been affected by any of these issues and wish to speak to someone confidentially, you can contact the LGBT national hotline at 888-843-4564, available Monday to Friday from 4pm-12am ET and 12pm-5pm ET on Saturdays.