“FOOTBALL SAVED MY LIFE – WHEN I DECIDED THAT I WANTED TO BE MARA GOMEZ THE WORLD WAS REALLY DARK”
Yes, I am the first. I’m well aware that I’m the first transgender girl playing professional football in Argentina – but if you ask me how I like to be seen and perceived, the explanation is much longer. If we really want to get rid of the labels, let’s start with this one.
I’m incredibly proud to be the face of so much struggle, over so many years, for so many trans people. For some reason it was me, but the reality is this: we’re a collective of people asking for inclusion, demanding the exact same rights and fighting against discrimination. I’d simply like to be one of the many, not the first… and certainly not the only one.
The fact that I’ve made it doesn’t mean the work is done, because believe me – the fight is just starting. I’ll come on to what it really means, and what it really takes to be where I am now, a little later.
Before I begin talking about testosterone, though, there’s something important I want you to know. The fact that you’re reading this is extremely important to me. I didn’t come into football to steal anyone’s place. I came into football because… well, I was probably going to die if I didn’t.
See, when you’re born a boy but then start perceiving yourself as a girl, there will always be a traumatic moment; a difficult period in your life. That started when I was 11. When I decided I wanted to be
