Female fencer who took a knee against transgender opponent given huge reward

Warning: This article contains discussion of discrimination against the trans community which some readers may find distressing.

The female fencer who sparked another debate about transgender inclusion in sport has been handed a huge reward after taking the knee against her opponent.

Late last month, Stephanie Turner took the knee in protest ahead of her scheduled match against Redmond Sullivan, a transgender woman, at the USA Fencing-sanctioned regional tournament at the University of Maryland.

After being shown a black card and disqualified from the tournament, Turner spoke out about her decision recently and added more fuel to the fire, particularly in the US, where trans rights are being diminished following Donald Trump's return to the oval office.

She said: “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 was also warned by Sullivan about what her actions would lead to after telling her: "I have much love and respect for you, but I will not fence you."

USA Fencing said it ‘remains committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful community for everyone’.

Now, a brand committed to 'standing up for women's sports' known as XX-XY Athletics has awarded the 31-year-old fencer $5,000 and labelled her a 'hero' for her actions.

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The company, which is named after the typical human chromosomes, claim they are on a mission to protect women's sports and spaces and were quick to praise Turner for her decision.

They awarded Turner with the Courage Wins Award and announced she would receive a $5,000 prize as well as admittance into a leadership program.

Founder Jennifer Sey said: "By taking a knee, she became more powerful than any male. She stood her ground to fight for women's sports. She's a hero."

Despite the free win, Sullivan went on to finish 24^th out of 39 at the event.

USA Fencing issued the following statement: "USA Fencing enacted our current transgender and non-binary athlete policy in 2023. The policy was designed to expand access to the sport of fencing and create inclusive, safe spaces.

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"The policy is based on the principle that everyone should have the ability to participate in sports and was based upon the research available of the day.

"We understand that the conversation on equity and inclusion pertaining to transgender participation in sport is evolving.

"USA Fencing 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."

There was also drama recently in 'disc golf' when another cis-gender woman refused to play against her transgender opponent, despite the similar sport ultimate frisbee being one of the few where men and women play together with no real issue.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]