Justine Lindsay, the NFL‘s first transgender cheerleader, has gone public with allegations that she was dismissed from the Carolina Panthers‘ TopCats roster because of her gender identity, raising concerns about discrimination in professional sports.
Lindsay, who became a trailblazer for transgender athletes in 2022, was removed from the cheerleading squad prior to the 2025 season – a decision she feels was because of her identity and not because of her talent.
“I was cut because I’m trans,” Lindsay told Gaye Magazine. “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?
“I was devastated. It stung. I was hurt.”
The Daily Mail reached out to Panthers representatives for comment, but no official response had been issued at the time of publication but Lindsay‘s statements have nonetheless reignited discussions about inclusivity in NFL organizations.
“I love them down,” Justine added, expressing appreciation for the Panthers. “I appreciate everything that they’ve done for me, but I feel like I was done wrong.
“It was like a big slap in the face to not only me but for the youth. And this was right after Trump became president.”
Lindsay referencing the timing of her dismissal amid a political climate critical of transgender advancements as President Trump has actively opposed transgender participation in sports and the military.
Executive orders have disqualified those with gender dysphoria from military service. One order, titled “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness,” barred individuals with gender dysphoria or a history of hormone therapy or sex reassignment surgery from serving.
He also signed the, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” order, which threatened to revoke federal funding from schools and athletic programs that allow transgender girls and women to compete in female sports.
Lindsay claims come hours before Monday Night Football
The allegations come hours before the Panthers take to the field against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football on November 24, as they look to secure a big win in the NFC South race.
Carolina are 6-5 for the season and have the same record as the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who lost to the Los Angeles Rams 34-7 when quarterback Baker Mayfield went down injured after completing just 41 yards.
The MVP candidate tossed two interceptions and was sacked twice before Teddy Bridgewater took over, opening the door for the Panthers to take control of the division if they beat the 49ers.
Meanwhile San Francisco, inspired by Christian McCaffrey, look for their eighth win of the year as they look to move level on wins with the Seattle Seahawks – although Seattle have played a game less as the 49ers wait to take their bye in Week 14.
Both teams remain behind the 9-2 Rams in what is turning out to be the most intense NFL Playoffs race in the league into the back stretch of the year, so it won’t be easy for Carolina to secure the win. The Panthers kick-off on the road at 20:15 ET/17:15 PT.
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