Female fencer takes knee against trans-identified male opponent, gets disqualified

The Independent Council on Women's Sports (ICONS) wrote that the female opponent of trans-identified male fencer Redmond Sullivan was expelled from a USA Fencing event that took place at the University of Maryland. The two fencers are seen setting up to compete, and the female fencer immediately takes a knee. The Cherry Blossom D1A/Veteran Regional Open Circuit took place on March 30, with Sullivan winning two of six bouts.

Sullivan was seen walking over to the female and exchanging inaudible words before walking back to the other side of the mat. The referee later returned, pulled out the card, and the female fencer left the mat.

USA Fencing states that it is "is committed to ensuring athletes have the opportunity to participate in USA Fencing sanctioned events on a fair, inclusive and safe basis without discrimination," and that there are two divisions, male and female, "However, we recognize not all individuals’ gender identities are binary, and a gender binary default for participation could potentially cause harm — leaving some individuals to feel excluded and unsafe."

"Within our divisions, USA Fencing will not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, regardless of sex assigned at birth, or any other form of gender expression for participation in any division. As such, athletes will be permitted to participate in USA Fencing sanctioned events in a manner consistent with their gender identity/ expression, regardless of the gender associated with the sex they were assigned at birth."

For the junior, senior, and veteran fencing age divisions, USA Fencing states that trans-identified males "being treated with testosterone suppression medication, for the purposes of USA Fencing-sanctioned competitions may continue to compete in men’s events, but may only compete in women’s events after completing one calendar year (12 months) of testosterone suppression treatment. Proof of compliant hormone therapy must be provided prior to competition."

The female fencer was celebrated on social media, with journalist Megyn Kelly writing, "heroine."

Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines wrote, "Women should BOYcott any event/game/match against a man. This is the way!"

Former tennis player Martina Navratilova wrote, "This is what happens when female athletes protest! Anyone here still thinks this is fair??? I am fuming… and shame on USA Fencing, shame on you for doing this. How dare you throw women under the gender bullshit bus!!!"

Per Reduxx, Sullivan in December won gold at the Connecticut Division Junior Olympic Qualifier. Sullivan previously competed on the men’s fencing team at Wagner College, and in November saw wins at the Northeast Fencing Conference Varsity Meet, as well as the Seahawks Invitational in December.