Manchester City and Netherlands defender Kerstin Casparij has reaffirmed her commitment to inclusivity and equality in football, explaining her decision to become a patron of the LGBT Foundation and to use her platform to promote acceptance within the game.

In April, Casparij made headlines after scoring for Manchester City against Everton and kissing a wristband bearing the blue, white, and pink colours of the transgender flag. The gesture, she revealed, was a heartfelt response to a Supreme Court ruling that deeply affected her.

“I felt very strongly about the ruling, politically and emotionally,” Casparij said. “Even though I’m a cisgender woman, it hurt me because it targets people within my community.”

The Dutch international explained that her connection to the LGBTQ+ community has grown over the years, particularly after moving to Manchester and experiencing the open, inclusive environment of women’s football.

“Growing up in a small town in the Netherlands, I didn’t have much queer representation around me,” she said. “But women’s football gave me a sense of belonging. I felt I could finally be myself.”

Her symbolic show of solidarity resonated widely across the football world, attracting messages of support from fans, players, and LGBTQ+ groups globally.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive,” she noted. “I received so many messages from trans fans from across the WSL and beyond. It made me realise that our voices as players can make a real difference.”

That realisation pushed Casparij to deepen her advocacy work. In September, she became a patron of the Manchester-based LGBT Foundation. Weeks later, she helped launch ‘Levelling the Playing Field’, a new women’s programme designed to support and empower women through workshops on sexual health, domestic violence, sobriety, and more.

“I wanted to do more to give back to my community, especially to help women,” she explained. “The Foundation provides a safe space and vital care for hundreds of women. I’m proud to support that.”

Casparij also spoke openly about the challenges that come with being vocal on social issues, admitting that although her parents initially feared potential backlash, she has learned to cope with negativity.

“The abuse doesn’t define me,” she said firmly. “I’ve learned to filter it out. I’m not trying to convince people; I’m trying to help those who need it.”

With women’s football continuing to expand and attract a wider audience, Casparij remains focused on preserving the sport’s inclusive spirit.

“The game has built a welcoming culture over the years,” she added. “We must keep pushing to make sure football men’s or women’s stays a place free from discrimination and hate.”

Through her words and actions, Kerstin Casparij continues to stand as a strong advocate for equality, inclusion, and compassion values she believes must always remain at the heart of football.