Is the Women’s Super League ready to welcome a trans player?

Aston Villa defender Anita Asante is hopeful the WSL would welcome a trans player - but isn’t certain a welcoming pathway exists yet.  

The 36-year-old, who earned 71 caps playing for England and Team GB, is an award-winning advocate most recently named to the Football Black List’s 2021 Players Off The Pitch. 

The WSL, which boasts Chelsea power couple Magdalena Eriksson and Pernille Harder among its ranks, has long been seen as a progressive and open environment.  

In contrast, it wasn’t until October that Josh Cavallo became the first top-flight male footballer to come out.  

“As someone who hasn’t yet had the experience of playing with a trans athlete, it would be really hard for me to say if the WSL is an open place for a trans player,” said Asante. “But I’ve always felt that women’s football in this country was largely inclusive.  

“And I would like to think that my own club and team would be, although I know it have to start from a much lower level, all the way up to allow that first point of accessibility.  

“So if they don’t feel safe when they’re younger, coming in through grassroots and beyond into the RTCs and so forth, then I can imagine that it’s even more challenging to really see themselves in an elite environment which I’m privy to.  

“I think it’s really important that those spaces are inclusive, and I would say that the tone and the temperature of the time right now I don’t think is very inclusive for trans athletes. People aren’t taking the time to understand and research properly, but are very happy to share their opinions that are ultimately going to affect trans athletes.” 

This summer, Canadian footballer Quinn became the first trans and non-binary athlete to compete at the Olympics, winning gold with Bev Priestman’s team.  

And earlier this summer, Japanese international Kumi Yokoyama, who plays in America’s National Women’s Soccer League, also came out as transgender. 

“Quinn being an unbelievable, talented athlete at the highest level of the game is exceptional,” said Asante.  

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“And I think they are a positive role model for young people out there who are maybe going through their own gender identity and discovering who they are. 

“To have someone they can recognise themselves at the highest level is a fantastic thing because it shows thar they’re not alone as well. 

“I think it’s imperative we have people like Quinn who are able to share their story, and share their journey for us all to recognise how we can be better and supportive allies as well. 

“I think they’re a visible role model right now, and whether or not they know it I think that’s very powerful. And it’s just going to transcend and impact so many young people out there to really hopefully feel that they can fulfil and aspire to their own dreams and their own passions as well.” 

Asante began her top-flight career at Arsenal and enjoyed stints at seven other clubs in the United States, Sweden and England - including WSL champions Chelsea - before joining Villa in 2020.  

It’s given the defender - on and off the pitch - plenty of fodder against those who dare tell her to “stick to sports.” 

“It’s one of those things that I always find myself opposing because ultimately, often gender and a lot of the other intersections, whether it’s race, sexuality, are used against individuals and society every day, and made political, and put up for debate and discussion.  

“And I don’t think that’s any different with regards to sport. And for me, sport is a microcosm of society, so we reflect the socio-political context of the time.  

“That’s why I think it’s really important that we do use our platforms to speak up for those who are often marginalised or feel that they don’t have the voice to speak up and defend themselves.”