Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Fencing Chairman Faces Backlash Over Transgender Athlete Debate

5/9/2025

25 6

Summary

Story summary

USA Fencing Chairman Damien Lehfeldt found himself in the hot seat as lawmakers grilled him about his stance on transgender athletes. The tension escalated after fencer Stephanie Turner voiced her objections to competing against a transgender opponent. Accusations flew, with lawmakers claiming he was putting politics ahead of women's rights, while Lehfeldt acknowledged his past social media missteps.

1 of 1

Story summary

USA Fencing Chairman Damien Lehfeldt found himself in the hot seat as lawmakers grilled him about his stance on transgender athletes. The tension escalated after fencer Stephanie Turner voiced her objections to competing against a transgender opponent. Accusations flew, with lawmakers claiming he was putting politics ahead of women's rights, while Lehfeldt acknowledged his past social media missteps.