Justine Lindsay, the NFLs first out trans cheerleader, has revealed that she was fired this year from the Carolina Panthers because of the organizations transphobia.I was cut because Im trans, Lindsay said in an Instagram Live with Gaye Magazine that is no longer available. I dont wanna hear nobody saying She didnt wanna come back. Why the hell would I not wanna come back to an organization that Ive been a part of for three years? I was devastated. It stung. I was hurt. Related Trans darts player vows not to let new anti-trans ban ruin her love of the sport Lindsay became the NFLs first out trans female cheerleader back in 2022, when she announced that she had become a member of the Carolina Panthers TopCats cheerleaders.After three successful seasons with the TopCats, Lindsay revealed this past August that she would not be returning for a fourth. In a statement to LGBTQ Nation sibling site OutSports, Lindsay did not discuss being forced out. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today For now, Im focusing on my pageantry work and community involvement, striving to be recognized not just as an NFL cheerleader, but as someone making a positive impact, especially during these uncertain times, she said. My focus is to educate and uplift the younger generation of leaders to focus on their dreams and goals. Dont let a president who is delusional stop them from reaching their goals, whether they are trans, African American, not American, etc.In August, she provided some more context in an interview with The Gay Times, suggesting that the decision was not based on her merits as a cheerleader. People around me were like, You were the best one out there, she said. But, I didnt make it to the final round. I didnt always feel like I belonged [] So yeah, I was hurt. Everybody knew that I wanted to come back. I didnt always feel like I got the backing I was supposed to. In her conversation with Gaye Magazine, Lindsay highlighted her love for the organization behind TopCats, but felt that the decision was short-sighted and likely tied to the results of the November 2024 election. It was like a big slap in the face to not only me but for the youth, she said. And this was right after Trump became president.Lindsay has continued to make it clear that while she might be departing cheerleading on someone elses terms, thats not going to be the end of her story in the public eye. She is now developing a documentary and has started a campaign for trans pageant Miss International Queen for 2026.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.