Who is Stephanie Turner? Women's fencer who knelt to protest trans opponent and ignited global awareness

Fencer Stephanie Turner reveals why she exited a tournament instead of facing a transgender opponent on 'America Report.'

Women's fencer Stephanie Turner became a household name overnight among activists for women's rights in sports.

A viral video of Turner kneeling to protest a transgender opponent ignited more debate about transgender inclusion in women's sports, especially fencing. 

"It will probably, at least for the moment, destroy my life," Turner told Fox News Digital. "It's very hard for me to do this."

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Her decision was driven by her opposition to competing against biological males. 

"This is a serious issue that is happening within all sports, and it needs to be addressed. There is a difference between men and women," Turner said. "It is a civil rights movement for women and girls, and I prioritize the safety and rights and protection of women and girls over trans-identified males." 

Her belief even overpowered her lifelong political allegiance. 

Turner, a long-time registered Democrat who broke from the party for the most recent election, says she is now a "new Republican conservative."

She switched parties over the issue of transgender athletes in women's and girls sports. 

"A small group of people is holding a much larger athlete base hostage to extremist liberal views," Turner said. 

How did it get to this point? 

Fencer Stephanie Turner kneels in front of a USA Fencing official. (Courtesy of Icons)

Turner was born and raised in Washington D.C., and now lives in deep blue Montgomery County, Maryland. 

Over the years, she's been involved in a close friend group, which includes other fencers. It also includes multiple members of the LGBT community.

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