Fencer expelled for refusing to fight against a transgender opponent dressed as a woman

A new controversy shakes women's sports in the United States. In the Cherry Blossom Open tournament, the fencer  Stephanie Turner was disqualified after refusing to compete against the transvestite Redmond Sullivan.

Turner's dignified decision, kneeling in protest and withdrawing from the match, was interpreted as a serious infraction by the organization. They applied the maximum penalty: a black card.

Turner's gesture was not an outburst, but a declaration of principles. Faced with a situation that, according to her, threatens equity in women's sports, she decided not to face a rival who, although biologically male, was admitted by USA Fencing in the women's category.

The scene was captured on video and quickly went viral. In it, Turner can be seen removing her mask and speaking directly to her opponent before withdrawing.

According to the International Fencing Federation (FIE) regulations, "a fencer is not allowed to refuse to compete against another duly registered opponent, for any reason", so the sanction was immediate.

Despite her correct stance, Turner was treated as the transgressor, while Redmond Sullivan, the male athlete dressed as a woman, was publicly supported by the Iconic Fencing Club.

The association published a perverse statement: "Red has followed all the rules and guidelines established by the FIE (International Fencing Federation) and USA Fencing. She has every right to compete in the events for which she qualifies and has long met the criteria to do so".

Turner, meanwhile, explained in statements to FOX News: "When I knelt, I looked at the referee and said: 'I'm sorry, I can't do this. I am a woman, and this is a man, and this is a women's tournament. And I will not face this individual'". She then added: "I have a lot of love and respect for you, but I will not face you [referring to Sullivan]".

The case exposes one of the sharpest tensions in sports today: the inclusion of transvestite athletes in women's competitions.  The current rules of USA Fencing, updated in 2023, allow transgender people to compete based on their gender identity, ignoring the physical advantages derived from biological sex.

"The policy was based on the principle that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in sports and was grounded in the research available to date", explained the organization.

They also noted: "We respect the views of all parties and encourage our members to continue sharing them with us as this issue evolves". Despite this weak argumentation, Turner's gesture highlights that many female athletes do not feel heard or represented by these policies.

The episode caused a strong reaction on social media, where the debate was reignited about whether it is fair for a person who is a man dressed as a woman to compete on equal terms with women.  The women's sports activistRiley Gaines supported Turner's stance: "This is the way to say enough. Boycott! My respects to this woman for standing up for her position".

Meanwhile, Redmond Sullivan, who recorded 18 victories in 45 previous matches, finished in 24th position out of 39 competitors in the tournament. Beyond the result, his participation remains a source of division. What for some is a symbol of inclusion, for others represents a direct threat to the integrity of women's sports.