Steel Magnolias ATL

@steelmagnoliasatl.com

Strong roots. Fierce hearts. Southern steel. Atlanta's NWSL Supporters Group is here! https://linktr.ee/steelmagnoliasatl

Today we celebrate, honor, and uplift trans and gender non-conforming athletes. Across the league, alongside our fellow NWLS supporter groups, we’re creating space for queer athletes to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Because trans athletes belong—in every league, on every field. 🏳️‍⚧️ #tdov

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Every day, and especially today, we invite our members and fans to join us in celebrating the trans people in our community. Trans people belong, period. Trans people belong in sport, in women's soccer, in public life.

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This Trans Day of Visibility, we’re celebrating Kumi Yokoyama, a champion and history-maker in more ways than one. Thank you, Kumi, for your time with the Spirit and for living your truth! Trans people belong everywhere, on and off the pitch.

Trans People Belong in View
Kumi Yokoyama (he/they)
For Trans Day of Visibility we’re highlighting the accomplishments of famous athletes. Their accomplishments aon and off the field of play deserve to be celebrated. They are competitors, they are our teammates, and they are strong. We hope that these visible athletes remind us that sports and athleticism are important to the whole trans community. Their fight, grit, and determination enrich us all. Today we say Trans Athletes Belong.The Spirit Squadron and Rose Room Collective are sharing the story of Kumi Yokoyama, a dynamic Japanese forward known for his creativity, technical precision, and attacking flair. Kumi made 12 appearance in two seasons with the Washington Spirit and was part of the 2021 Championship team. Beyond their on-field impact, Yokoyama has also been an influential figure off the pitch. In June 2021, Kumi came out as a transgender man in an interview with fellow Nadeshiko striker Yuki Nagasato.

“[Canadian midfielder Quinn] wore a [sweatshirt] that said ‘Protect Trans Kids’ before a game, and I realized that’s what taking action looks like,” Kumi said in an interview with the Japanese Times. “To be able to accept people you have no relationship with, that’s the kind of person I’d like to become and I hope we can create that society.”

Kumi is still playing professionally in the Nadeshiko League with Okayama Yunogo Belle.

We are thrilled to announce that Steel Magnolias ATL has officially been accepted into the Independent Supporters Council. We have spent the last two days learning from other NWSL supporter groups. Their guidance and feedback has been invaluable as we grow roots in Atlanta.

Peach colored graphic with text announcing the breaking news that Steel Magnolias has been accepted into the Independent Supporters Council with their logo.