Justine Lindsay, who made NFL history as the league’s first out trans cheerleader, is speaking candidly about why she believes her time with the Carolina Panthers ended abruptly.
According to OUT Magazine, after three seasons with the Panthers’ TopCats, Lindsay revealed earlier this year that she wouldn’t be returning—an announcement many assumed was voluntary. According to her, it wasn’t.
During an Instagram Live conversation with Gaye Magazine, Lindsay said her departure was directly tied to her gender identity. “I was cut because I’m trans,” she said, shutting down speculation that she chose to walk away. “Why the hell would I not wanna come back to an organization that I’ve been a part of for three years?”
Lindsay described the moment she learned she wouldn’t be returning as painful and unexpected. “I was devastated. It stung. I was hurt,” she said.
While she emphasized that she isn’t attacking the organization—adding that she still appreciates her time with the team—she expressed disappointment over how the decision seemed to overlook the impact she had on young fans who followed her journey.
She also mentioned the timing of her dismissal, saying it happened shortly after Trump returned to the presidency. Lindsay didn’t expand on the political implications, but said the sequence of events felt like “a big slap in the face… not only to me but for the youth.”
Lindsay joined the TopCats in 2022, becoming a public figure almost instantly. Her presence marked a milestone for representation in professional sports, as the NFL has had several out gay cheerleaders but no other out trans cheerleaders.
She spent three seasons performing on the sidelines, connecting with fans, and building a platform far beyond football.
Her exit doesn’t signal a retreat from the spotlight, though. Lindsay is currently developing a documentary and preparing for a run at Miss International Queen 2026, a global trans pageant.
She told Outsports earlier this year that she’s focusing on pageantry and community work, aiming to make an impact off the field. “Being in the NFL was a stepping stone to get me where I need to be,” she said. She hopes her story encourages younger people—of all backgrounds—to pursue their ambitions “and not let anyone stop them from reaching their goals.”