JK Rowling issued a brief five-word response after a fencer took a knee and refused to face a transgender opponent.
Recently, a female fencer made headlines after refusing to compete against a transgender opponent.
This incident sparked a lot of discussions online, and famous author JK Rowling shared her thoughts about it.
A fencer takes knee to refuse the match against trans opponent
During the Cherry Blossom Open held in Maryland, Stephanie Turner, a fencer, was set to face Redmond Sullivan, a transgender athlete.
Just before the match, Turner decided to take a knee to protest against facing Sullivan. This surprising action was captured on video and quickly went viral, drawing millions of views on social media.
In the video, Turner removed her fencing mask and threw it aside before kneeling. Her actions shocked many, including Sullivan, who looked surprised by the protest.
The reaction from fans has been mixed, with some supporting Turner while others criticized her decision. Many felt that the organizers had treated her unfairly by disqualifying her from the competition.
JK Rowling reacts with only five words after fencer takes knee over trans opponent
JK Rowling, known for her strong views on transgender issues, commented on the situation.
She reposted the viral video and wrote, “What a heroine looks like.” This statement resonated with some of her followers, but it also sparked controversy.
Critics pointed out that Rowling’s comment disregarded Sullivan’s identity by not using her preferred pronouns.
Turner’s statement on her decision
After the incident, Turner spoke to the media about her choice to protest.
“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.”
She continued: “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.'”
In response to the incident, USA Fencing released an official statement. The organization clarified its transgender and non-binary athlete policy, which was implemented in 2023.
This policy aims to create inclusive opportunities for all athletes, allowing everyone to participate in sports.
The statement encouraged respectful dialogue about the issue, highlighting the importance of understanding different perspectives.
“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.”
Support for trans fencer Redmond Sullivan
Sullivan’s team, Iconic Fencing Club, defended her right to compete. They stated that she followed all the rules and guidelines established by the governing bodies.
The club emphasized that fencing should promote values of respect, honor, and inclusion. They expressed their support for Sullivan and her journey in the sport.
“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.”