Japan and Washington Spirit forward Kumi Yokoyama has come out as transgender.
The 27-year-old, who played for Japan at the 2019 Women's World Cup in France, is the highest-profile Japanese athlete to do and cited Canada and OL Reign midfielder Quinn — who went public with their transition in 2020 — as an inspiration.
Yokoyama had surgery to remove breast tissue seven years ago without hormonal treatments, as that would have meant there was a risk of failing doping tests, and plans to undergo more gender-affirming procedures after retiring as a player.
"I've dated several women over the years but I had to stay closeted in Japan," Yokoyama said in an interview with former team-mate Yuki Nagasato's YouTube channel, which was translated by the Japan Times.
"In Japan I'd always be asked if I had a boyfriend, but here (in America.) I'm asked if I have a boyfriend or girlfriend. When my girlfriend said there was no reason for me to stay closeted, it really hit me.
"Coming out wasn't something I was enthusiastic about, but if I think about my life going forward, it would be harder to live closeted so I found the courage to come out."
A tweet from the Spirit said Yokoyama would use the gender-neutral pronouns "they" and "them" going forward.
They continued: "(Quinn) wore a (sweatshirt) that said 'Protect Trans Kids' before a game, and I realized that's what taking action looks like. Lately the word 'LGBTQ' has become more commonly known in Japan and been covered by the media, but people in my position aren't able to raise our voices and talk about it.
"If all of us speak up together then we can help raise awareness."
