Referee Sapir Berman was first exposed today after coming out of the closet as a transgender: "I always saw myself as a woman and at a young age I did not know how to give it a name."
An exciting and historic moment for Israeli football: Referee Sapir Berman was revealed today (Tuesday) for the first time after she came out of the closet as a transgender woman, at the press conference held at the Football Association. Berman sided with the chairman of the Referee union, Ronit Tirosh, and the general manager, Yariv Tepper.
Berman said: "I am sapir. I am 26 years old, I always saw myself as a woman and at a young age I did not know how to give it a name, but there was always an attraction to the female side, a kind of envy. And I lived with it, alongside a very masculine character - as a man I was "Successful, if it is in the Referee union and in studies and with girls. In the family they saw a man, but when I was alone I was a woman."
"I divided these worlds because I realized that society would not accept me - and I continued like this, I continued for 26 years. Finally I decided to go out, to show who I am. First of all for myself, for my soul. Another thing, it is to my relatives - that they will not see me suffer. Because In the last months before the exposure I was less who I am."
"But here I am, sure of myself, I know I am doing the right thing. I know that the support is very broad, both in the organization, in the family, also with my friends - I hope the society will be better and inclusive for everyone, all sectors and all genders. We are here to change."
"The reactions are very, very sympathetic, very warm as such, that give me this place to do the right thing. I was in a very masculine industry, and it was delayed - I did not know how they would get it and if they would get it. It was there. Alongside being a football referee, I feel like a woman. It delayed my decision to be exposed, I came to the conclusion that no more. Can't hide it anymore, I just took it out."
"The process is in its infancy, I still do not know how long it will last, it is for life. To say I know when I will feel complete with my externality? Can not say, I do not know. In terms of Refereeing - everything goes on as usual - the abilities are the same abilities, my ability Diagnosing events is the same ability, physically. It can continue in the same way."