A female fencer has become the centre of a national debate after she refused to compete against a transgender athlete during a major USA Fencing tournament—an act that has now earned her a huge payout and a “Courage Wins Award.”
During the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland on March 30 Stephanie Turner defeated spectators when she stood before her match with Redmond Sullivan a 20-year-old transgender competitor from the University of Maryland while kneeling and throwing away her competition mask.
Turner approached Sullivan during the fencing event quietly saying “I’m sorry but I will not fence you” in front of the surprised viewers. You belong to the males while I am female in this sport she declared. Several reports state that tournament organisers have declared this competition to be reserved exclusively for female athletes.
Her decision not to fight resulted in obtaining the worst penalty in fencing which meant she instantly received the black card and was completely removed from the competition.
USA Fencing stated that Turner received disqualification based on her noncompliance with International Fencing Federation rules which ban competitors from refusing to fight any legally enrolled athlete.
“Fencers may not refuse to compete against any properly entered athlete for any reason,” the organization stated, emphasizing its commitment to inclusion and evolving dialogue around transgender participation in sport.
Turner’s brave decision to refuse picking up a sword after her disqualification created an immediate social media explosion which engulfed the entire platform. Supporters commended the discrimination of gender equality in sports yet critics regarded her behaviour as unfair treatment toward women.
Turner received an award from XX-XY Athletics which advocates for sex-restricted athletic categories for women. The organization selected Turner as an inductee of their leadership program while granting her $5000 as recognition.
Founder Jennifer Sey called her decision “heroic,” saying, “By taking a knee, she became more powerful than any male. She maintained her position to defend women’s athletic competitions.
After her decision to retire from fencing competition Turner disclosed the motivation was for safety reasons in addition to her belief in unequal rules within combat sports.
“This is a contact sport. Men fence harder than women.” She revealed her concern about getting injured when she spoke to the New York Post.
Together with her apprehension about officials’ and peers’ negative responses she spoke about her concerns. Multiple individuals from fencing’s highest leadership positions currently advocate for transgender athlete integration.
She expressed her concern about receiving unbiased competition during competitions. Turner previously stayed away from tournaments where trans athletes were entering.
XX-XY Athletics stated that their mission is to protect women’s sports and provide support to athletes who are “monetarily canceled” for their beliefs.
Through her stance Turner takes place among other female athletes such as Sia Liilii and Abigail Wilson who publicly oppose transgender participation in women’s sports competition.
Nationwide awareness about transgender athletes in women’s sports has reached new heights through Turner’s controversial case. Those who support her view her as someone who represents opposition and equal treatment of women yet her opponents claim she encourages women to remain separated.
Stephanie Turner has permanently placed herself in the middle of an ongoing cultural dialogue and demonstrates no intentions of withdrawing from the debate.
Featured Image Credit: (FoxNews)
