There has been much controversy in the world recently and some of it has to do with transgenders playing in sports. In particular, it is transgender women who are playing in women’s sports, something that has caused a lot of people to stand up and take notice.
One individual who did so is Stephanie Turner. She was in a fencing competition at the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland, and she was not happy with Redmond Sullivan’s part in the competition. Redmond is transgender, so Stephanie decided to protest.
The footage has gone viral, as Turner takes off her fencing mask and throws it to the ground before taking a knee in front of Sullivan. This was a form of protest in fencing.
One person who is now spoken out on this situation is Martina Navratilova. She is a famous tennis player, and she is very upset that Stephanie was punished for taking in the and refusing to face the transgender athletes.
When Stephanie Turner spoke to the news about the situation, 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.
“Redmond says to me, ‘Well you know, there is a member on the board of directors here who supports me, and there is a policy that acknowledges me as a woman, so I am allowed to fence, and you will get black carded’, and I said, ‘I know’.”
Many people, including fans of the sport, are now divided on the situation but Martina Navratilova has a definite opinion. The 68-year-old retired player said: “This is what happens when female athletes protest!
“Anyone here still thinks this is fair???
“I am fuming… and shame on @USAFencing, shame on you for doing this. How dare you throw women under the gender bullsh*t bus!!!”
At first, Navratilova was accused of transphobia, but she says that is not true. She has often spoken out about allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports.
In order to show her feelings, she even signed a letter to the National Collegiate Athletic Association to have trans athletes banned from competing in female sports. She also became a leader of the Women’s Sports Policy Working Group, which was formed in order to reply to Joe Biden when he offered inclusion for all trans women athletes.
After Turner protested, the fencing board released an official statement. It said: “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. 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 respect the viewpoints on all sides and encourage our members to continue sharing them with us as the matter evolves.
“It’s important for the fencing community to engage in this dialogue, but we expect this conversation to be conducted respectfully, whether at our tournaments or in online spaces.
“The way to progress is by respectful discussion based in evidence.”
Sullivan’s fencing team, ‘ Iconic Fencing Club’ also spoke on the subject. They said: “Red has followed every rule and guideline set forth by the FIE (the international fencing governing organisation) and USA Fencing (the national organisation).
“She has every right to compete in the events that she qualifies for, and has long since met the criteria to do so.
“Fencing is rooted in a deep tradition of honour, sportsmanship, inclusion, and respect, and in a sport that prides itself on these values, the type of behaviour expressed by Red’s opponent has no place.
“Iconic Fencing Club supports Red in her fencing journey and will continue to do so in the future.”