THE first trans lady to hitch a top-flight membership in Argentina lastly made her debut immediately 11 months after signing.
Striker Mara Gomez, 23, performed for Primera Division facet Villa San Carlos in opposition to Lanus in Buenos Aires on Monday.
Mara Gomez made historical past within the Argentine league on MondayCredit score: Related Press
She lastly made her debut for Villa San CarlosCredit score: EPA
She signed in January and native media reported that the transfer marked the primary time a trans lady will play in an official Argentine FA event.
And the lengthy look ahead to a debut was lastly over after nearly a 12 months of ready.
Gomez spent months attempting to persuade the Argentine FA that she would not have an unfair benefit.
She makes use of blood samples to plead her case that present her testosterone is inside pointers for transgender athletes designed by the IOC.
Gomez was clearly emotional after her trailblazing accomplishment and in addition obtained a shirt from opposition Lanus – who received 7-1 – to mark the event.
The star wrote on Instagram this week: “The street was lengthy, there have been many obstacles, many fears and sorrows.
“That which sooner or later made me suppose that I might not be anybody, that I might by no means have the chance to be joyful in my life immediately is reversed.
“I might be fulfilling one of many biggest targets of my life, that I assumed indispensable, which was by no means going to occur.
Mara Gomez in motion in opposition to Lanus in Buenos AiresCredit score: Related Press
And the event was clearly emotional for the trailblazerCredit score: Related Press
“Due to all of the individuals who from the primary second accompanied and supported me, and believed in me.
“Complete due to Juan Cruz Vitale (DT) and Villa San Carlos for giving me the chance.
“Due to my consultant Lorena Berdula who devoted a lot her time to accompany me within the course of and for educating me rather a lot. And due to my household who at all times hugged me and gave me power.”
Gomez, who has beforehand performed for Toronto Metropolis, mentioned earlier this 12 months: “Soccer helped me change my sexuality and my persona.
“It was a second of distraction. I’ve been handled properly in each membership I’ve ever performed for.
She even obtained a jersey from opposition Lanus together with her identify on itCredit score: AFP
“All of us participate in the identical work and I by no means felt excluded from any of the squads.”
It’s mentioned Gomez was signed from Argentine membership Malvines who play in an novice regional league.
There, she made her identify because the membership’s prime goalscorer and a two-time league champion.
