NFL’s first transgender cheerleader claims Panthers fired her because she’s trans

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: NFL's first transgender cheerleader, Justine Lindsay, claims she was fired from the Carolina Panthers' TopCats squad as an act of discrimination due to her trans identity.

Her dismissal from the team comes after three seasons with them, despite the organization’s initial celebration of her ground-breaking hiring in 2022.

Justine Lindsay claims Panthers cut her for being transgender

Lindsay, in an Instagram Live video, said that she was fired by the cheer squad strictly because she is a trans person. According to Blavity, she said, "I was cut because I'm trans. I don't wanna hear nobody saying, 'She didn't wanna come back'. Why the hell would I not wanna come back to an organization that I've been a part of for three years."

Although the dismissal hurt, Lindsay declared her love and appreciation for the organization, saying, “I love them, I appreciate everything that they’ve done for me.”

She further expressed devastation over the situation, noting she was “stung” and “hurt.”

Justine Lindsay made NFL history with 2022 transgender milestone

Lindsay broke barriers in 2022 when she joined the Carolina Panthers, becoming the first ever openly transgender member of an NFL cheerleading team.

At the time, her hiring was celebrated. Chandalae Lanouette, the then-director of the TopCats, said Lindsay was selected for her talent and not as a part of trying to break barriers, adding that Lindsay had mentioned on her application that she was trans. 

Speaking about the importance of the moment in 2022, Lindsay explained to BuzzFeed, “This is big. I think more people need to see this. It’s not because I want recognition. It’s just to shed light on what’s going on in the world.”

Justine Lindsay plans pageant run and NFL documentary to inspire youth

Though “devastated” by the firing, Lindsay isn’t stepping out of the public eye and is preparing for her next endeavors. She is preparing for the global transgender pageant, Miss International Queen, and is also working on a documentary about her experiences in the NFL.

Lindsay sees her time in professional football as a catalyst for her broader mission. She told Outsports in August, “Being in the NFL was a stepping stone to get me where I need to be, and God is blessing me each and everyday giving me the breath to do the work and change lives.”

She added, "My focus is to educate and uplift the younger generation of leaders to focus on their dreams and goals. Don't let a president who is delusional stop them from reaching their goals whether they are trans, African American, not American, etc."

Her ultimate hope is that her story encourages younger people to "go for it, and not let anyone stop them from reaching their goals.”