Japanese Footballer Kumi Yokoyama Comes Out As Transgender Man
Seven years ago, Yokoyama underwent breast removal surgery according to a report by the Indian Express. The surgery, however, did not include any hormonal treatment as that could have manipulated the dope test results.
Kumi Yokoyama, a Japanese football player who plays for Washington Spirit and Japan national team, came out as a transgender man recently. They said, "When my girlfriend said there was no reason for me to stay closeted, it really hit me."
The 27-year-old who goes by the pronouns they/them revealed that her stay in the United States and Germany made it easier for them to deal with their identity and be comfortable with it.
After coming out, as a transgender man, they said that they want to help raise awareness in their home country.
Seven years ago, Yokoyama underwent breast removal surgery according to a report by the Indian Express. The surgery, however, did not include any hormonal treatment as that could have manipulated the dope test results.
However, Kumi Yokoyama, who played for Japan at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France career, plans on undergoing more gender-affirming procedures after their profession as a sportsperson
They revealed in a video interview conducted by former Nadeshiko teammate Yuki Nagasato, translated by the Japan Times that they dated several cis women over the years during their stay in Japan but remained closeted. Back in their hometown, they were always asked to get a boyfriend, they added, but in the US their choices are supported.
"When my girlfriend said there was no reason for me to stay closeted, it really hit me," they said.
Although they were not too enthusiastic about coming out, the thought of life going forward motivated them to do so, they added, "it would be harder to live closeted so I found the courage to come out."
Kumi Yokoyama said that Canada international and OL Reign midfielder Quinn’s decision to come out as transgender last year was an inspiration to them. “(Quinn) wore a (sweatshirt) that said ‘Protect Trans Kids’ before a game, and I realized that’s what taking action looks like,” they said.
Seven years ago, Yokoyama underwent breast removal surgery according to a report by the Indian Express. The surgery, however, did not include any hormonal treatment as that could have manipulated the dope test results.
However, Kumi Yokoyama, who played for Japan at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France career, plans on undergoing more gender-affirming procedures after their profession as a sportsperson
They revealed in a video interview conducted by former Nadeshiko teammate Yuki Nagasato, translated by the Japan Times that they dated several cis women over the years during their stay in Japan but remained closeted. Back in their hometown, they were always asked to get a boyfriend, they added, but in the US their choices are supported.
"When my girlfriend said there was no reason for me to stay closeted, it really hit me," they said.
Although they were not too enthusiastic about coming out, the thought of life going forward motivated them to do so, they added, "it would be harder to live closeted so I found the courage to come out."
Kumi Yokoyama said that Canada international and OL Reign midfielder Quinn’s decision to come out as transgender last year was an inspiration to them. “(Quinn) wore a (sweatshirt) that said ‘Protect Trans Kids’ before a game, and I realized that’s what taking action looks like,” they said.