NFL’s First-Ever Transgender Cheerleader Ends Her Run with the Carolina Panthers

Justine Lindsay is taking break from cheerleading to focus on the betterment of the LGBTQ+ community.

NFL’s First-Ever Transgender Cheerleader Ends Her Run with the Carolina Panthers

Justine Lindsay (Screengrab Instagram)

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Justine Lindsay notified the Carolina Panthers that she will not return to the sideline as one of their cheerleaders. Lindsay wants to focus on matters outside of her cheerleading gig.

In 2022, Lindsay became the first openly transgender cheerleader in the NFL after passing the tough screening test at the Carolina Panthers. Since then, the 32-year-old has been a constant presence on the Panthers TopCat cheerleading team. However, three years later, Lindsay is ready for a break from football. She said in an interview with Outsports:

For now, I’m focusing on my pageantry work and community involvement, striving to be recognized not just as an NFL cheerleader but as someone making a positive impact, especially during these uncertain times.

Lindsay did not specify the reason behind her decision. She viewed the NFL as a stepping stone to promote representation of the LGBTQ+ community in sports. She added:

My focus is to educate and uplift the younger generation of leaders to focus on their dreams and goals.

She also took a swipe at the country’s far-right political group that is actively trying to suppress the voice of the trans community, stating, “Don’t let a president who is delusional stop them from reaching their goals, whether they are trans, African American, or not American.“

How did Justine Lindsay become a cheerleader for the Carolina Panthers?

Lindsay is a beacon of hope for young transgender men and women who dream of joining a sports organization in their future. They can take inspiration from her journey of breaking social stereotypes to achieve her goals.

NFL's First-Ever Transgender Cheerleader Her Run with the Carolina Panthers
Justine Lindsay (Screengrab Instagram)

It wasn’t easy. In fact, her inclusion generated ample hate, on and off the field. Despite the backlash, the Panthers organization remained rooted in their vision of inclusivity.

In an interview with Elle, Lindsay revealed that she found encouragement from a close friend before applying for the TopCat program. Despite being nervous at the start, Lindsay pounced on the opportunity.

She passed the same screening process as every other candidate. The TopCat is always on the lookout for cheerleaders with an intensive dance background. Her education at the prestigious Debbie Allen Dance Academy on scholarship in Los Angeles paid off when the TopCat selected her among hundreds of applicants.

While a great many viewed Lindsay’s inclusion as a step in the right direction, some were left scratching their heads. Male cheerleaders have been around for decades, but fans aren’t used to seeing a transgender person wearing women’s clothes on the sidelines with pom-poms and glitter. TopCats director Chandalae Lanouette said:

Justine earned her spot on this team. But there are a lot of people who, if it doesn’t fit into a box, have a hard time understanding it.

It did not stop Lindsay from shining in the shimmering blue of the Panthers. She stole the show during every break on game day.

Despite her efforts, it will take time for fans of the ‘machoest’ of macho sports to soften up to the LGBTQ+ community members.

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