Warning: This essay discusses prejudice against the transgender community, which some readers may find upsetting.

A fencer has spoken out after refusing to compete in a match against a transgender opponent at a tournament in Maryland.

Fencers Stephanie Turner and Redmond Sullivan were scheduled to participate in a regional event as part of the UFSA’s Cherry Blossom Open at the University of Maryland starting on March 29.

Turner, on the other hand, refused to participate against Sullivan, a transgender athlete, by bending to her knee and was eventually kicked out of the competition.

Turner has subsequently spoken out about her choice and what transpired leading up to it, admitting that she checked the online registration before the competition to see who would be present and to confirm her check-in timings.

She saw Sullivan’s name posted there and recognized her from an article, telling FOX News that she was “really disappointed” and “felt at a loss.”

Turner then went down on one knee, and the official approached her, asking if she was refusing to fence.

“Initially, I told them that I was refusing to fence because this person is a man and I am a woman, and this is a woman’s tournament, and I refuse to fence on principle,” according to her.

She added that Sullivan was ‘confused’ because she thought she had been ‘injured’ and approached Turner to inquire if she was okay, to which Turner replied, “I’m sorry. I love and respect you, but I will not fence you.”

Sullivan attempted to explain that there was a member of the board of directors there and that they backed her, citing a policy stating that she was permitted to compete and telling her fellow athlete that she would be ‘black carded.’

However, Turner refused to give in and ultimately lost the race.

Turner stated, “As a woman, I have no option as to where I compete. I am a woman with an athletic disadvantage over men; thus, I participate in the women’s division.

Turner argued that Sullivan could compete in either division or at “mixed events in local tournaments” and that she would not have registered if she had known there were transgender fencers present, but that Sullivan “must have signed up after” her.

She continued, “I was like, ‘You know what, I’m just going to give it to God. If this person attends my event and adheres to my plan, I will bow down, as it aligns with God’s will.

Turner stated that it was “very difficult” for her to decide to decline to compete and that it would “probably, at least for a moment, destroy [her] life.”

What did Sullivan’s team say?

Sullivan’s team has already addressed the tournament, claiming she ‘followed every rule and guideline given out by the FIE (the international fencing governing organization) and USA Fencing (the national organization)’.

Sullivan’s team, the Iconic Fencing Club, told the Daily Express US in a statement that she has “every right to compete in the events that she qualifies for and has long since met the criteria to do so.”

The statement went on to say, “Fencing is based on a rich heritage of honor, sportsmanship, inclusivity, and respect; in a sport that prides itself on these qualities, Red’s opponent’s behavior has no place.”

“Iconic Fencing Club supports Red in her fencing journey and will continue to do so in the future.”

What did USA Fencing say?

Turner received a fine from USA Fencing simply for refusing to fence a “eligible opponent,” a representative for the organization told UNILAD.

“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,” a spokeswoman told me.

“Under these rules, such a refusal leads to disqualification and the corresponding sanctions. This policy exists to ensure fair competition standards and the sport’s integrity.

USA Fencing told Fox News Digital that the current transgender and non-binary athlete policy in 2023 is ‘intended to promote entry to the sport of fencing and provide an inclusive, safe place.’

It resolved: “The policy is founded on the premise that everyone should be allowed to engage in sports and was based on research available at the time.

“We appreciate all points of view and urge our members to share them with us as the situation progresses. The fencing community must engage in this discourse, but we want it to be done responsibly, whether at our contests or online. The path forward is via fair, evidence-based conversation.”