Fencer Stephanie Turner Criticizes USA Fencing After Viral Protest Against Trans Inclusion

Women’s fencer Stephanie Turner spoke out during an interview on Fox News Channel’s American Reports Thursday, following the viral spread of a video showing her kneeling in protest against facing a transgender opponent.

Turner protested during the Cherry Blossom Open last weekend by refusing to fence trans competitor Redmond Sullivan, resulting in her receiving a black card—the most severe penalty in fencing, leading to disqualification and expulsion from the event for serious rule violations or unsportsmanlike conduct.

“There’s really no way around this when extremists hold positions of authority within USA Fencing,” Turner said. “I’m essentially left with no option but to fence under these circumstances.”

USA Fencing Chair Damien Lehfeldt has publicly supported transgender inclusion. In an August 2023 blog post, he acknowledged the debate around potential physical advantages post-transition but emphasized the importance of inclusion:

“There is a possibility that transgender women have a physical advantage over their cisgender opponents after transitioning,” Lehfeldt wrote. “There is also a possibility they do not. In fencing, there is no data to support either viewpoint.”

He continued, “Giving athletes a sense of belonging and a will to live is more powerful than medals and competitive glory. Transgender women are women, and gender is not sex. Transgender fencers deserve the right to compete with the gender they identify with.”