Washington Spirit player Komi Yokohama comes out as transgender

WASHINGTON SPIRIT

Kumi Yokyama of the Washington Spirit professional soccer team.

Washington Spirit forward Kumi Yokoyama came out as transgender in a video interview on former Japan teammate Yūki Nagasato's YouTube channel.

“I’ve dated several women over the years but I had to stay closeted in Japan,” Yokoyama said in the interview, which was translated by The Japan Times.

“In Japan I’d always be asked if I had a boyfriend, but (in the United States) I’m asked if I have a boyfriend or girlfriend," said Yokoyama, who uses they/them pronouns.

Yokoyama becomes one of the highest-profile Japanese athletes to come out as transgender, saying living in the United States and Germany played a major factor in going public.

“I’ve dated several women over the years but I had to stay closeted in Japan,” Yokoyama said in the interview, which was translated by The Japan Times. “In Japan I’d always be asked if I had a boyfriend, but [in the United States] 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.” 

The 27-year-old said they had top surgery to remove breast tissue seven years ago without hormonal treatments, as taking hormones would have put them at risk of failing doping tests. Yokoyama said they are planning to undergo more gender-affirming procedures once they retire.

“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,” Yokoyama said. “Japan may be a small country, but if all of us speak up together then we can help raise awareness.”

This season, Yokoyama has played sparingly for the Washington Spirit. The team expressed its support for the player. "We support and are so proud of you Kumi," the team said. "Thank you for showing the world it's ok to embrace who you are!"