29-Year-Old Makes NFL History As The First Openly Transgender Cheerleader

Sep 13, 2022 by apost team

A 29-year-old woman made football history in March 2022 when she joined the Carolina Panthers' cheerleading squad. After the audition, which is as rigorous and selective as the football team's tryouts, Justine Lindsay was offered this dream role. She announced her surprise NFL career with the Topcats, writing, “Cats Out the Bag you are looking at the newest member of the Carolina Panthers TopCats." She included a picture of herself smiling in her new Topcats uniform while standing on the stadium green. 

She added that she would join the squad "as the first transgender female." Lindsay later told reporters at Buzzfeed that she was apprehensive about coming out in her Instagram post. “I was so scared,” Lindsay admitted. “There’s just some things you can’t post.” However, she seized the moment. “I just felt like when I posted it, whatever reaction I get from everyone, it does not matter,” Lindsay added. “And then my phone started blowing up.” The new Topcat has received thousands of likes and comments since her announcement. 

In her post, Lindsay also showed her appreciation for the reception she's received from teammates, past and present. She wrote, "I would like to thank the beautiful and talented dancers who supported me along the way." She also thanked "alumni Topcat dancers, family and friends for (their) love and support." She continued, touching on what an incredible opportunity this new role is, and said, "I would not have gotten to this moment in my life if it wasn't for the support." 

Additionally, Lindsay gave recognition to her "beautiful coach (Chandalae Lanouette)" and said, "you are a special being that I truly cherish thank you (for) taking that leap of faith on me."

Lindsay noted what an honor it was to be a part "of (her) legacy and so many others." 

Speaking with Buzzfeed about her leadership of the NFL squad and Lindsay joining the team, Coach Lanouette said, "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 to that spot."

Lindsay also told Buzzfeed, “I’m happy because I was able to break down that door." She continued, expanding on the empowerment of her statement, saying, "I felt like, Why not tell the world: 'Hey, listen, this is a great accomplishment.'”

Clearly aware that she was making history, Lindsay wrote in earnest, "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 (for making a) dream come true." 

Commenting on the impact that Lindsay's career with the Panthers will have on the LGBTQ community, Sam Ames, the Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs at the Trevor Project, said, “Our research shows that LGBTQ youth report that seeing LGBTQ representation by celebrities and athletes made them feel good about being LGBTQ ... 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 hold out for.”

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Are you excited to see Lindsay during the new Panthers' season? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family and any fellow Topcat fans!