Manchester City Defender Kerstin Casparij: ‘Being gay wasn’t normal, until I was a footballer’

The 25-year-old, who has 48 caps for the Netherlands, has found love in Manchester – settling down with his partner Ruth, who he met on a dating app.

Now an openly gay woman, Casparij says the community is “close to her heart”.

“It was difficult at times growing up until I got into women’s football. It was normal and openly talked about (in Heerenveve),” she said.

“I learned a lot about myself. I didn’t have that when I was young, I had so many doubts and questions.

“I lay awake at night thinking ‘is this weird or am I weird?’ Being a role model now to my partner, because of many girls, is very important. “

The right back has a platform to promote women’s football passion and is taking full advantage.

He wears rainbow holes in his football boots, Rainbow Armands, regularly posts messages of LGBTQ + Support on Social Media and April, dedicated his goal against Everton to the transgender community.

“Why I know it’s important to spread the Word and stand up to people because in modern society if you often don’t say it,” said Casparij.

“It’s important that we stand up for people who need it so they feel supported. For example, the trans community. They’re good people and I’m people and I think about them.

“I want to show that I stand with them. I hope to inspire people to do the same. I think we need more integration and a sense of community.”

He has supported many campaigns – most recently becoming a patron for the LGBTQ Foundation, which helps to end aid against domestic abuse and transphobia.

“I think women have a difficult time at the moment and I want to help them have safe spaces,” said Casparij.

“With domestic violence, for example, women are often not forgotten. I want to make sure they have a place to heal and someone to talk to.

“I want to be a woman who helps women.”

She’s also happy to set an example for young, gay women — the kind of representation she wished she had as a child.

“It’s good to make other people think twice. It’s about helping them understand why they feel the way they feel,” he added.

“I always want to be surrounded by people. Feeling included and supported is important. All I want to do is spread love.”