Overview

• Stephanie Turner was disqualified from a USA Fencing tournament after refusing to compete against transgender athlete Redmond Sullivan, citing concerns over fairness and safety.
• USA Fencing defended its 2023 transgender inclusion policy, which permits transgender athletes to compete in categories matching their gender identity after one year of testosterone suppression.
• Turner described her protest as a peaceful act to highlight perceived inequities in women's sports and stated she was motivated by her Christian faith and concerns for competitive integrity.
• Redmond Sullivan, who previously competed in the men's category, began competing in the women's division in the 2024-2025 season and has already won two gold medals in six events.
• The incident has intensified broader discussions about fairness, inclusivity, and evolving policies in sports, with USA Fencing reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity while acknowledging the ongoing debate.