By OkayGoal 
Over the past few years, the number of openly LGBTQIA+ women’s soccer players has increased. At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, there were roughly 95 out players or coaches, about 13 percent of the 736 participants. That is more than double the number from 2019. This rise shows greater comfort among players to be themselves and growing acceptance in many national teams and leagues.
That visibility has ripple effects. Young people, especially those questioning their identity, see role models in the field who share their experiences. It helps reduce feelings of isolation. It also pressures governing bodies, clubs, and media to be more inclusive. Visibility doesn’t erase discrimination, but it makes it harder to ignore. Here are six players (and one rising figure) who are gaining visibility in women’s soccer:
Quinn (Canada)
Non-binary and transgender, Quinn uses they/them pronouns. In 2023, they made history as the first openly transgender and non-binary player to compete in a FIFA World Cup, either men’s or women’s. They were also a key part of Canada’s national team that captured Olympic gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Megan Rapinoe (USA)
As a longtime advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, Rapinoe has used her platform both on and off the field. She identifies openly as gay, and her visibility helped spark conversations in the United States and globally about equality, pay and identity in sport.
Sam Kerr (Australia)
Kerr is in a relationship with fellow soccer player Kristie Mewis. As a same-sex couple, their public presence has drawn widespread positive attention but has also sparked occasional abuse. Kerr and her club and national team have openly addressed these challenges.
Ali Krieger (USA)
Krieger is a former U.S. national team defender. She was married to fellow player Ashlyn Harris, a prominent figure in the sport. Krieger is frequently recognized as one of the legendary queer woman in soccer.
Ashlyn Harris (USA)
Ashlyn Harris is a goalkeeper and was formerly married to Ali Krieger. She is known for her athletic skill and being visible as part of an LGBTQIA+ relationship in soccer.
Tobin Heath (USA)
Heath is an accomplished attacking player with many accolades throughout her career. She is openly queer and among the players whose identity contributes to greater visibility in women’s soccer.
The Impact of LGBTQIA+ Visibility in Women’s Soccer
Increased visibility helps both inside and outside the sport. For other players, it signals safety: being out is more possible without fearing career harm. That matters in less accepting countries or teams. For fans and youth, it provides role models. Seeing someone like you in major tournaments or in professional leagues affirms identity. It can also reduce stigma and mental health strain.
Soccer institutions are starting to respond. Media outlets are providing more coverage of LGBTQIA+ stories. Some clubs support Pride and inclusion initiatives. Policies around discrimination, pronouns, and inclusion training are more common. Still, some gaps remain: unequal acceptance in different countries, social media abuse, and uneven institutional support. Visibility shines a light that helps spotlight those gaps.
A More Inclusive Future
The rise in openly LGBTQIA+ players is about more than symbols. Representation changes culture by showing young players that they can succeed without hiding who they are. It encourages empathy among fans and pushes institutions to shift their policies. It also helps reduce mental health burdens for those who fear being judged or silenced. Greater visibility strengthens both performance and inclusion.
More players need safe platforms to come out in places where it is dangerous. More leagues need standard protections and resources. Media must continue to amplify rather than sensationalize. Fans, clubs, and governing bodies all have roles in making sure that LGBTQIA+ identity in women’s soccer is welcomed and supported.
Which LGBTQIA+ player inspires you most and why? Share your favorite moments or role models below.