Trans Fencer Dinah Yukich Barred from USA Fencing Event After Policy Shift

A transgender fencer was barred from a USA Fencing-sanctioned event one year after a female competitor was punished for refusing to face a transgender opponent at the same tournament.

At this year's Cherry Blossom Open held at the University of Maryland, Dinah Yukich, 43, was denied entry, according to The Daily Record. A year earlier, at the 2024 Cherry Blossom Open, female fencer Stephanie Turner knelt in protest against a transgender opponent, went viral, received a black card and was escorted out.

That incident led to a federal hearing. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee changed its policies in July to comply with President Donald Trump's "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order.

USA Fencing amended its rules to match. Yukich then filed a civil rights complaint after her reported ban, per The Daily Record. The complaint charges one count of denial of public accommodations based on sex and gender identity, and one count of aiding and abetting a discriminatory policy.

USA Fencing issued a statement to Fox News Digital and stood by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee policy citing Trump's order. "USA Fencing cannot comment on the specifics of potential litigation. But we can say more generally that, as the recognized Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body for fencing in the United States, we are required to comply with athlete-eligibility guidance issued by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC)," the statement said.

A USA Fencing source told Fox News Digital of Yukich's complaint, "We think it's important to note that we have not received notice of any litigation being filed against USA Fencing in the state of Maryland by this individual."

Fox News Digital reached out to Yukich's attorney Susie Cirilli for comment. Cirilli told The Daily Record, "When you host an event where members of the public can participate, you have to follow state law."

Turner's protest last year elevated her in the "Save Women's Sports" movement and drew attention to USA Fencing's transgender inclusion policies. The organization faced two lawsuits over its handling of the issue. GOP lawmakers questioned the former chair at a congressional hearing last May, and the chair was replaced in October.

In late November, USA Fencing told Fox News Digital it was committed to rebuilding trust. "USA Fencing remains deeply committed to earning and maintaining the trust of our athletes, fans, and the wider fencing community. The election of Dr. Scott Rodgers as Board Chair reflects our dedication to athlete-centered governance and the continued growth of fencing at every level," the statement said. "We recognize the challenges of the past several months and are focused on moving forward with integrity, transparency, and a clear vision for the future."

USA Fencing now seeks to protect the women's category in competitions. Yukich, however, sued USA Fencing and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee in October 2024 in New Jersey. The suit claims the ban from women's events violates state anti-discrimination laws and stems from a policy requiring transgender athletes to compete based on sex assigned at birth.