The Panthers organization urges “more people need to see this” and that Justine Lindsay, 29, has an equal place on the team as any of the other female members of the cheerleading squad while she practices with the squad ahead of the season.
Lindsay has yet to reveal the name of her new team. In March, she revealed that she was a member of the Carolina Panthers’ Topcats cheerleading squad on Instagram. The young athlete came out as transgender in the same Instagram post where she announced that she was a member of the Topcats, the Carolina Panthers’ cheerleading squad.
“Cats out [of] the bag, you are looking at the newest member of the Carolina Panthers Topcats Cheerleaders as the first transgender female,” she 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 added, “I would not have gotten to this moment in my life if it wasn’t for the support. Also, to my beautiful coach @chandalaelanouette, you are a special being that I truly cherish. Thank you for taking that leap of faith in me to be a part of your legacy and so many others. 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.”
Lindsay will be utilized by the Carolina Panthers for more than just game days. She’ll be used as a member of the Topcats for business conferences, community gatherings, and fundraising events.
The NFL has no official record of its cheerleaders. However, it is anticipated that Lindsay will be the league’s first transgender female cheerleader in the history of the NFL.
Lindsay was interviewed by Buzzfeed News and said that she is proud to be the league’s first transgender cheerleader.
“I think more people need to see this. It’s not because I want recognition. It’s to shed light on what’s going on in this world.”
Lindsay was incredibly apprehensive about coming out as transgender. She had kept her gender identity private until now, according to her post. Not even her closest companion knew she was a transgender woman, she said.
“I was so scared,” Lindsay stated. “There are just some things you can’t post.”
Despite the trepidation, she bravely decided to communicate via social media.
“I just felt like whatever reaction I get from everyone, it does not matter,” Lindsay said. “And then my phone started blowing up.”
Lindsay said she hopes her story will inspire other transgender athletes.
“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,’” she added.
