Exactly one year after a female fencer faced disqualification for not competing against a transgender athlete, transgender competitors have now been banned from the same event. Dina Yukic, a 43-year-old transgender fencer, has been denied entry to this year’s Cherry Blossom Open, which is sanctioned by U.S. Fencing and takes place at the University of Maryland.
Last year, another female fencer, Stephanie Turner, received a black card and was removed from the 2025 Cherry Blossom Open for protesting against a transgender opponent.
This incident led to federal hearings, and subsequently, the U.S. Olympic team updated its policies following an executive order from President Trump aimed at excluding transgender women from competing in women’s sports.
Following the changes, reports indicate that Yukic was suspended and filed a civil rights lawsuit that alleges discrimination based on sex and gender identity, along with claims of contributing to a discriminatory policy.
USA Fencing commented, emphasizing its obligation as the national governing body to adhere to the eligibility guidelines set by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, in light of President Trump’s executive order. They noted that they hadn’t received any notification regarding Yukic’s lawsuit against them in Maryland.
Yukic’s attorney, Susie Cirilli, articulated that hosting public events necessitates adherence to state law.
Turner’s kneeling protest gained considerable attention, undoubtedly boosting her presence within the Save Women’s Sports movement and highlighting concerns surrounding USA Fencing’s policies.
USA Fencing has faced two lawsuits regarding its approach to transgender policies, and it underwent leadership changes following criticism from Republican lawmakers during a congressional hearing last May. In late November, they reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding trust with athletes and the broader fencing community.
Amid these developments, while USA Fencing seeks to ensure fairness in women’s competitions, Yukic is simultaneously challenging their policies. She filed a lawsuit in New Jersey in October 2025 after being barred from women’s events, claiming the ban infringes upon the state’s anti-discrimination laws.
