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Kerstin Casparij kisses her trans flag-colored wristband
After a landmark UK ruling, the Manchester City star used her platform to speak up for trans rights
The UK Supreme Court ruling against trans rights last week may have allowed bigots like J.K. Rowling to celebrate, but it also gave an opportunity for allies like Manchester City player Kerstin Casparij to make a stand.
For those unfamiliar, the court declared that the legal definition of “sex” in the 2010 Equality Act refers strictly to biological sex, not gender identity. This allowed yet another wave of anti-trans hatred, including Rowling, who posted a photo of herself smoking a cigar and drinking an Old Fashioned, captioned, “I love it when a plan comes together.”
Casparij, who is in a relationship with a woman named Ruth Brown, took a moment to address the ruling and her stance on trans rights at the end of a game against Everton. After scoring a goal, she kissed her trans flag-colored wristband and then explained why on her Instagram afterward.
“Sometimes there are bigger, more important things than football,” she captioned her post. “My goal today was dedicated to all my trans siblings, who’ve had an incredibly tough & heartbreaking week. You have all been on my mind and in my heart, you deserve so much more than what this government & society is giving you.”
She continued, “I’m so incredibly proud of the trans existence within the queer community, and I’m proud of all trans women — you are women no matter what anyone says.”
Her message was well-received online, with a fan named Jade even recounting a personal conversation between the two, thanking Casparij for doing what she did in front of so many people, to which she responded, “Thank you so much for your kind message. Big hug from me, my gf & our boys! We’re with you all the way.”
Even though our trans friends have certainly seen an uptick in hatred recently (largely due to the Trump administration), there’s one part of Casparij’s message we also want to reiterate: We’re with you all the way.
Keep scrolling for some other reactions to Casparij’s brave stance against the UK Supreme Court’s ruling.
"first him supporting the drag community and kerstin casparij being an ally for the trans community"
"UK Supreme court-"Trans women are no longer legally women" Kerstin Casparij-"How's fuck off sound""
"Thank you, Kerstin Casparij for showing what real solidarity looks like. It means even more coming from a lesbian, when gen critters pretend they're supporting us with their hate. You speak for lesbians like us & you speak for love. I wish you & Ruth all the joy in the world."
"kerstin casparij. a person with a big following and is a much liked player, making a big gesture with her goal celebration in light of the supreme court rulings. transgender women matter and will ALWAYS matter"
"Kerstin Casparij the woman that you are. Consistent allyship in the face of tough times is so so so important, wish we had more like her"
"A goal for City, a statement for equality. Kerstin Casparij celebrates with pride, dedicating her goal to Mary Fowler and standing strong with the trans community."
Andrew J. Stillman is a freelance writer and yoga instructor exploring the world. Check him out at andrewjstillman.com or follow him @andrewjstillman on all the things.
Andrew J. Stillman is a freelance writer and yoga instructor exploring the world. Check him out at andrewjstillman.com or follow him @andrewjstillman on all the things.
