Justine Lindsay, NFL’s Trans Cheerleader Is Shattering Stereotypes While Dancing to Authenticity

“Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.” As rightly pointed out by the great Spanish artist Salvador Dali, every new beginning has a hidden chronicle of trying to emulate greatness. Today’s story echoes around the same line when a childhood memory rose like a phoenix, burning the stereotypical realms into oblivion. 

Justine Lindsay has been making the headlines recently and for all the right reasons. At 31 years of age, Lindsay is one of the most celebrated trans-cheerleaders in the NFL. Her success story has positively impacted the league and has also upscaled the NFL’s popularity by leaps and bounds. Well, so how did the dream become a reality? Let’s turn back time and walk the arduous but buoyant path hand in hand with the superstar of our story herself. 

Justine Lindsay’s first love: Dancing

When a 5-year-old Lindsay set her eyes on ‘Revelations’, the little one was fascinated. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater appeared like an angel in Charlotte that helped Lindsay discover her inner spark. One look at the Afro-American spirituals and song sermons, and a sense of self-belief echoed within her, “Dang, I could do that”. She further remembers how a sense of connection instantly urged her to pursue dancing, ” Seeing people that looked like me… and how they were able to move their bodies, well, it really stuck with me”. 

Lindsay found an able ally in her mother, who supported her decision and encouraged her to take ballet lessons. Her talent was soon reflected as Lindsay bagged a scholarship with the prestigious Debbie Allen Dance Academy in LA. For those unknown, we are talking about an academy that boasts of stars from Disney Channel as alumni. Lindsay moved back to her hometown after completing her graduation from North Carolina State. As a part of the Southern queer ballroom circuit, the 31-year-old watched in awe ‘Paris Is Burning’, enriching herself about the history of trans-women. Even though Lindsay was feeling comfortable in her skin, the biggest turning point was yet to come in her life. 

Journey to the center of the NFL

When one of her mates back in Charlotte proposed the idea of auditioning as an NFL cheerleader, Lindsay didn’t hesitate. She was confident about her talents and wanted to make a statement for the others, “I want to change the narrative for my trans sisters and brothers, just to [let them] know that if you have a goal, go for it.” She further added, “Turn that dream into a reality. Be an NFL cheerleader, or a doctor or a nurse or whatever you set your mind to.”

Read More: Justine Lindsay, NFL’s First Openly Transgender Cheerleader’s Family Travels from North and South Carolina to Watch Her Perform

Lindsay impressed with her sound dancing background and made it to the TopCats squad of the Carolina Panthers. Her decision to audition with a bald head went on to show the kind of confidence Lindsay carries. To quote Chandalae Lanouette, head coach of TopCats, “You could tell that she was happy to be in the space with other dancers, and that’s kind of what you look for.” Lindsay has since then written a new chapter in the history of NFL cheerleading and is currently one of the biggest draws of the league. 

The act of imitation that Lindsay attempted while being fascinated by The Alvin Ailey American Dance’s presentation made her produce a career that broke societal stereotypes. Now, a certain Justine Lindsay is waiting out there to be imitated by hundreds, in the quest of producing a wholesome society. Surreal, just like Dali. 

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