Stephanie Turner Reflects on USA Fencing Changes and Possible Return Amid Controversies
Stephanie Turner last competed for USA Fencing at the end of March, when her kneeling protest against a transgender opponent at the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland led to a black card, disqualification, and a 12-month probation. Following this, she stepped away to focus on activism.
USA Fencing has since undergone significant organizational changes amid controversies and legal challenges over transgender inclusion policies. The organization faced a congressional hearing and multiple lawsuits, prompting it to amend its gender-eligibility policy to permit only female competitors in women's competitions. Additionally, USA Fencing replaced its board chair, with Paralympic medalist Dr. Scott Rodgers becoming the new leader in October—the first active athlete and parafencer to hold the role.
Turner has expressed that she would consider returning after these changes but wants assurance and prefers to wait until ongoing lawsuits settle, describing recent leadership shifts as a “game of musical chairs.” USA Fencing states it welcomes participation from any eligible athlete who meets current membership and competition rules, aiming to maintain a safe and respectful environment.
Policy changes this year include prioritizing LGBTQ-friendly laws in host-site selection and revising policies potentially related to playing the national anthem at events. In July, USA Fencing aligned its transgender participation rules with the USOPC’s safety policy, permitting only female competitors in women’s categories and referencing a Trump-era executive order.
In November, USA Fencing emphasized its intent to regain trust among fans and athletes under new leadership. Meanwhile, two universities—Arcadia University and Fairleigh Dickinson University—will add men's and women's fencing teams to NCAA varsity athletics beginning Fall 2027.
USA Fencing is currently being sued by Margherita Guzzi Vincenti, Emma Griffin, and Patricia Hughes, who allege that biological males were allowed to compete in women’s divisions at the 2025 North American Cup in Kansas City, despite the event being advertised as female-only.
