In 2022, Justine Lindsay became the first openly transgender woman to join an NFL cheerleading squad when she was selected for the Carolina Panthers’ Topcats. At age 29, she announced her achievement on social media, stating: “Cats Out the Bag, you are looking at the newest member of the Carolina Panthers TopCats Cheerleader’s @topcats as the first Transgender female.” The hiring was widely covered as a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in professional sports.
Three Seasons with the Panthers In the NFL
Justine Lindsay - Photo: Facebook NFL Panthers
Justine Lindsay – Photo: Facebook NFL Panthers
Lindsay performed with the Topcats for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 NFL seasons. During this period, she participated in games, community events, and appeared at the Night of Pride With GLAAD in Phoenix in February 2023.
Departure Announced in 2025
In August 2025, Lindsay confirmed she would not return for a fourth season. An earlier statement to Outsports described the decision as a personal choice to focus on community work and pageantry.
Recent Allegations
In a subsequent interview with Gaye Magazine, Lindsay stated that she was cut from the squad because she is transgender. 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?”
“I feel like I was done wrong.”
She also expressed continued appreciation for the organization while describing the situation as “a big slap in the face” to herself and transgender youth.
Broader Context
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell talks on the sideline before a wild card game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell talks on the sideline before a wild card game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Lindsay’s allegations surfaced shortly after the January 2025 inauguration of President Donald Trump and the administration’s promotion of an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which seeks to restrict transgender women from competing in female sports categories at institutions receiving federal funding.
Carolina Panthers’ Response
As of the latest available information, the Carolina Panthers have not issued a public statement addressing Lindsay’s claims of discrimination or the circumstances surrounding her departure from the Topcats.
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