Manchester City defender Kerstin Casparij has opened up about her journey of understanding who she truly is.
Kerstin grew up in a small town called Heerenveen in the north of the Netherlands. She said she always “fancied girls,” but didn’t know that being gay was even possible. “Being gay or queer wasn’t normal where I lived,” she said. “I didn’t know anyone who was.”
As a young girl, she often felt confused. “At school, I always wanted to hold hands with the girls and play the prince in school plays,” she shared. “I didn’t have feelings for boys, and I didn’t know what that meant.”
When she joined the Heerenveen football team at the age of 15, her life started to change. It was there that she met people from the LGBTQ+ community, and she finally understood that what she felt was normal.
Now 23, Casparij plays for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League and has built a successful football career. But she also wants to help others who may be struggling with their identity.
“I want others to know it’s okay to be yourself,” she said. “You don’t need to hide who you are or feel afraid.”
Kerstin’s story is a message of courage, love, and acceptance showing that being honest about who you are is something to be proud of.