“Have to Stand Out for the Right Reason”—Transgender Cheerleader Justine Lindsay on Setting the Stage for an NFL Cheerleading Renaissance

Cheerleading for a cause is a rare sight to see! The sidelines of the football ground have long been the domain of cheerleaders, showcasing a picture-perfect image of energy, grace, and enthusiasm. However, recently there have been some additions to the picture. It is not just about cheerleading now, but also about resilience and a determination to make a voice heard.

Amid the high-spirited moments of cheerleading, a groundbreaking story emerged that is challenging stereotypes. The tale of Justine Lindsay is a testament to inspiring many to be courageous and determined enough to write their own story and destiny.

Justine Lindsay: Cheerleading for a change 

Lindsay has completely defied the traditional mold and is standing out as the torch-bearer of authenticity and change. She made it to the Carolina Panthers’ TopCats squad in the year 2022. But for her, it was not a simple journey as she had to crush deeply rooted and internalized stereotypes about the profession she was stepping into.

Lindsay never shirked away from facing the struggles and tough times. While she went for the TopCats audition she was “louder, prouder and balder” compared to everyone else present in that room. TopCats coach Chandalae Lanouette stated, “You could tell that she was happy to be in the space with other dancers, and that’s kind of what you look for.”

From her very first appearance in the field, it was predominance that she was the cheerleader the audience will be rooting for. She has been trained in dance since her childhood days and she makes sure that she’s using all her learnings while cheerleading. The sidelines are her stage. 

The way she has been putting herself up on the sideline with all her best efforts. She could be seen cheering at the top of her lungs and leaping high in the air executing the picture-perfect split jumps. Her pom-poms can rarely go out of rhythm. “I go at it full force, because I knew that no one [in this space] looks like me,” said Lindsay. She further added, “I have to stand out, but I have to stand out for the right reason.”

Lindsay empowering the next generation 

Chandalae Lanouette talked about how her presence truly brings cheers to the ground in all aspects. She said, “It’s rippling out to the rest [of the world], which is really beautiful”.

Read More: “Setting the Stage for a New Generation” -First Openly Transgender Cheerleader in Football, Justine Lindsay, on Her Unwavering Determination in the NFL

Lindsay had brought her brand of heroism to the sidelines. Lindsay’s journey is not about herself but it is about how she has begun a change, a revolution in the world of cheerleading. She has started writing a new chapter which shall be continued. Lindsy says, “Everything that I’m going through now, it’s bigger than me”. She further added, “I’m setting things up for the younger generation. No one is going to stop this show.”

What are your thoughts about this extraordinary journey of Lindsay? Let us know in the comment section below.

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