USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — She’s already won world championships at the cadet and junior levels and national titles in Division I and the NCAA. So it’s safe to say Lauren Scruggs is up for any battle you might throw her way.

But as the Harvard junior describes to GLAAD, some of those toughest battles take place off the fencing strip.

“I have worked to make fencing — a historically white and conservative space — a more inclusive space for both black and queer individuals,” Scruggs tells GLAAD.

Her progress in that effort, paired with her impressive success at tournaments around the globe, is why the 2023 Senior World Team member was recently named to GLAAD’s 4th Annual 20 Under 20 list. That list, as Teen Vogue puts it, spotlights “an impressive roundup of activists, entertainers, writers, researchers and beyond.”

Scruggs’ selection comes at a critical time for LGBTQ youth, whose rights are too often under attack. By speaking up and being visible, Scruggs tells Teen Vogue, she hopes more young people like her can feel comfortable donning a mask and stepping onto the strip.

“Growing up I wished someone was that figure for me, specifically a fencer,” she says. “I hope that I can be the figure that I wanted, for young fencers today.”

Be sure to head to Teen Vogue for the full story — not only to read the writeup about Scruggs and 19 other impressive young people but also to see artist @blackpowerbarbie’s awesome illustration of Scruggs and all the honorees.

“We’re thrilled that Lauren dons the stars and stripes for Team USA,” says USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews. “Her contributions extend far beyond the medals and accolades; she’s a trailblazer in making fencing a welcoming arena where everyone can be unapologetically themselves.”