NFL Team Selects First Transgender Athlete As Cheerleader

The Carolina Panthers are believed to be the first NFL franchise to hire an openly transgender cheerleader.

Justine Lindsey, 29, announced via Instagram in March that she’s earned a spot on the Panthers’ cheerleading squad, the Topcats.

In the same IG post, she also came out as transgender: “Cats out the bag, you are looking at the newest member of the Carolina Panthers Topcats Cheerleader’s as the first transgender female,” Lindsey wrote.

“I would like to thank the beautiful and talented dancers who supported me along the way, alumni, TopCats family and friends for your love and support. I would not have gotten to this moment in my life if it wasn’t for the support,” she continued.

“I think more people need to see this,” she told Buzzfeed News. “It’s not because I want recognition. It’s to shed light on what’s going on in this world. I just felt like whatever reaction I get from everyone, it does not matter, And then my phone started blowing up.”

Sam Ames, director of advocacy and government affairs for the Trevor Project, said it is critical for LGBTQ children to see more openly transgender people.

“Our research shows that LGBTQ youth report that seeing LGBTQ representation by celebrities and athletes made them feel good about being LGBTQ,” Ames said. “‘Especially in a place like the NFL, which occupies such a powerful position in our culture, the story of a transgender cheerleader can inspire so much more than victory. She can give young people watching a dream to hold on to and a future to look out for.”

“I’m happy because I was able to break down that door and tell people, “Hey, we are not just sexual beings, we are actual human beings who want to better ourselves,”‘ Lindsey said.

Topcats director Chandalae Lanouette said she did not hire Lindsay because the Panthers wanted to break the transgender barrier in the NFL, but rather due to Lindsey’s talent. Lanouette also mentioned that Lindsay noted on her application that she is transgender.

“My goal is to create a team of individuals that are absolute fire on the field, but are incredible human beings in the locker room, good friends, good people, and at the end of the day, you have to walk through the door first to get that spot,” Lanouette said.

Lindsey closed her IG post with thanks to the Carolina Panthers and the Topcats.

“This is a moment I will never forget and I cannot wait to show you all what this girl has to bring. Thank you @topcats a dream come true.”