Fencer Stephanie Turner calls out USA Fencing 'extremists' for allowing trans inclusion in women's competition

Fencer Stephanie Turner reveals why she took herself out of the tournament when faced with a transgender opponent, on 'America Reports.'

Women's fencer Stephanie Turner spoke out against USA Fencing during an interview on Fox News Channel's "American Reports" on Thursday after a video of her kneeling to protest a trans opponent went viral. 

"There's really no option to go around this when there are extremists who take on positions at the authoritative positions at [USA Fencing], so I have very little option but being forced to fence," Turner said. 

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Turner's decision to kneel and refuse to face trans competitor Redmond Sullivan at the Cherry Blossom Open last weekend resulted in Turner being dealt a black card – the most severe penalty, leading to expulsion from the tournament or event for serious rule infractions or unsportsmanlike behavior.

USA Fencing chair Damien Lehfeldt has made multiple pro-trans statements, including a blog post in August 2023, where he argued on behalf of trans inclusion in fencing. 

"There is a possibility that transgender women have a physical advantage over their cisgender opponents after transitioning," Lehfeldt wrote. "There is also a possibility they do not. In Fencing, there is no data to support either viewpoint. Giving athletes a sense of belonging and a will to live is more powerful than medals and competitive glory. 

"Transgender women are women and gender is not sex," he insisted, adding, "Transgender fencers deserve the right to compete with the gender they identify with."

WHO IS STEPHANIE TURNER? WOMEN'S FENCER WHO KNELT TO PROTEST TRANS OPPONENT AND IGNITED GLOBAL AWARENESS

USA Fencing first enacted its current