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.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:fl7fcw26kxjdadnati7umjog/bafkreia6jswe32airaohwqxyj4f42rk5s5tlcap6htvvzs6uaxbt3mncte)
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.
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.
