At just 25 years old, Dutch footballer Casparij has become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in sports. With 48 caps for the Netherlands national team, she currently resides in Manchester with her partner, Ruth, whom she met via a dating app. Casparij’s journey to embracing her identity as a gay woman has been transformative.
Growing up, Casparij faced challenges associated with her identity. “I had so many doubts and questions,” she shares. Once she entered women’s football at Heerenveen, things changed. The environment allowed her to explore her true self and connect with her community.
Advocacy through Football
Casparij uses her platform in women’s football to promote inclusivity. She wears rainbow laces and armbands during matches and shares messages of support for the LGBTQ+ community on social media. In April, she dedicated a goal against Everton to the transgender community, highlighting the importance of visibility.
Supporting the Community
“It’s essential to stand up for those who need it,” Casparij states. She feels a strong responsibility to support marginalized groups, particularly the transgender community. Recently, she became a patron for the LGBTQ Foundation, which focuses on combating domestic abuse and transphobia.
- Supports marginalized groups
- Promotes safe spaces for queer women
- Advocates against domestic violence
Through her initiatives, Casparij aims to create safe environments for queer women who often feel overlooked in discussions of domestic violence. “I want to ensure they have a place to heal,” she emphasizes. Her goal is to be a supportive figure for young, gay women who need representation.
Inspiration and Inclusion
Casparij expresses her desire to inspire others by fostering understanding and acceptance. “It’s about helping them understand their feelings,” she explains. She believes in the power of community and inclusivity, advocating for more support and love in society.
Her commitment to spreading positivity and love reflects her journey of self-acceptance and desire to uplift others. “All I want to do is spread love,” she concludes, underlining her mission as both a footballer and an advocate for change.
