On the pitch, Kerstin Casparij proves to be a force to be reckoned with, whilst off the pitch she channels the same drive and intensity into advocating for LGBTQ+ and women’s rights. The Dutch international wears her heart on her sleeve, carrying passion and commitment to both her football career and the causes she champions.
Just as well as she defends in the backline, she also uses her voice to defend and stand by what she believes in. Consistently speaking up for women and for the LGBTQ+ community by using her profile and platforms to amplify those who have far too often been asked to step aside or change who they are to suit the stereotypical society.
Her message of solidarity and advocacy was on display loudly during Manchester City’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Everton in April 2025. Following a UK Supreme court ruling on the legal definition of women which caused a state of distress and betrayal among the Trans community, Casparij displayed a show of solidarity. After hitting the ball into the back of the net, she kissed a wristband featuring the colours of the transgender flag, a celebration that travelled further than she had expected.
Following this fixture, a powerful statement was released alongside a picture of Casparij’s celebration on her instagram stating:
“Sometimes there are bigger, more important things than football. I’m proud of all trans women – you are women no matter what anyone says.”
With this post sparking a widespread discussion and reinforcing the power of visible support from players at the highest levels.
When asked about the gesture, Casparij explained that she simply wanted to share her solidarity, hoping to connect people and let those affected by the ruling feel seen and supported. The response was overwhelming and it made Casparij realise just how powerful using your voice can be through even just a simple gesture. When reflecting on the celebration and the impact it had, she recognised that ‘her voice is a lot louder than she thought.’
For Casparij, becoming a role model and advocate for queer women, especially within women’s football, is rooted from her own experiences growing up without visible LGBTQ+ representation. Growing up in a small town in the Netherlands, she has spoken openly about the lack of role models she had to look up to whether it was in school, in sport or on the TV she felt there were few figures who reflected her experiences. The lack of representation left a mark but shaped her determination to become that role model she felt she never had.
Since moving to Manchester and joining Manchester City, Casparij has spoken about feeling able to be herself in ways she couldn’t freely express before, as well as feeling more connected to her community. This was the sense of belonging that only strengthened her desire to make it a mission of ensuring others don’t feel as isolated as she once did.
In September 2025, Casparij further emphasised her journey by becoming a passionate patron for the LGBT Foundation. Her appointment as a patron followed the foundation’s empowering ‘This is what a Woman looks like’ campaign, which celebrated the diversity of womanhood whilst challenging the stereotypical narratives that surround what it means to be a woman. With Caparij’s involvement helping to further push the message of empowerment and bringing more visibility to Queer Women, especially within Women’s sport.
Upon her appointment she reflected on what taking on this role meant to her:
“It’s such an honour to become a Patron for LGBT Foundation… I know first-hand how important visibility is – not just on the pitch, but in every part of life. If my voice can help young queer people see that they belong, then that’s something I’m really proud to do.”
Away from the pitch, Casparij continues to use her social media presence to challenge the stereotypes that still exist and to speak out about the lack of LGBTQ+ representation, creating an opposite impact of what she experienced growing up as a queer women.
This is something that she plans to keep building on. Casparij has made it clear that her long term aim is to continue advocating for those who cannot do so themselves, and for those who feel isolated from society because of who they are.
Through both her football and her actions beyond it, Casparij continues to highlight that the game can be a space for expression, solidarity and a catalyst for change.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/oct/16/kerstin-casparij-moving-the-goalposts
