The 2022 NFL season will officially begin in September.
Justine Lindsay, a 29 year-old Black transwoman, posted an Instagram message announcing that she will be joining the Carolina Panthers cheerleading squad, The TopCats. BuzzFeed first reported the news over the weekend.
Lindsay posted an Instagram message on March 30: “Cats Out the bag you are looking at the newest member the Carolina Panthers TopCats… the first Transgender woman.” “This was a special moment that I will never forget. I can’t wait to show you what this girl has in store.”
Lindsay posted Monday that she had been harassed by transphobic people since her announcement of breaking the barrier.
“Thank you to all those who believe I am bringing down the organization, I know they are wrong. She wrote that the carolina panthers Organization was an excellent organization, and one that supports all.”
She said that she hopes to make it easier for people who are ignorant to make comments to her, and that she will be paving “the way” for them.
Lindsay’s announcement is significant as transgender athletes in America, particularly trans women and trans girls, are subject to restrictions and bans in school sport. Her hiring comes at a time when Black cheerleaders are still underrepresented in this field. Lindsay stated to BuzzFeed News she was happy to represent Black transgender women in the sport.
She said, “This is huge.” “I believe more people should see this. It’s not because it is something I want to be recognized. It’s to help you see the reality of what’s happening in the world.
The Trevor Project, a LGBTQ youth suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization, stated that Lindsay’s employment in the NFL was significant, given that less than one third of adults have ever met a transgender person. This could offer young LGBTQ people more hope, according to the organization.
Preston Mitchum, The Trevor Project director of advocacy, stated in an email that “Lindsay’s story can inspire so many more than victory.” She can set the tone for acceptance in our society and offer young people a model of what their future could look like.
Mitchum said Lindsay’s visibility is due to increased attacks on trans people.
Mitchum stated that it was heartening to see Justine Lindsay being her authentic self at a place such as the NFL, which occupies such an important position in our culture. This type of representation is admirable, especially at a moment when young transgender people and nonbinary people are being placed in the center of politics — and where being visible can also be a sign of being hurt.”
NBC News reached out to the NFL and TopCats for comment but Chandalae Lanouette (TopCats’ director) said that she was proud of Lindsay and that the team values Lindsay’s talent and spirit off the field.
Lanouette stated that his goal was to build a team that is both incredibly talented on the field and also incredible people in the locker room.
Lindsay said that she is determined to continue breaking down barriers in the sport and she hopes to use her voice as a way to empower Black trans women, and to shut down online trolls.
In Monday’s Instagram post, she said that “I will continue being that pioneer” and would continue to help her African American trans sisters until the end. “Please be kind and respectful.
