'Football saved my life' - 1st transgender referee "honoured" with world record
Football's first transgender referee has bravely opened up on her journey from contemplating suicide to earning a Guinness World Record.
Lucy Clark, 51, takes charge of matches in the Women's National League and grassroots level in the men's game. She became a trailblazer for the trans community in 2018 after going public with her transition, eventually continuing to referee thanks to her love of football and the escapism which it offered.
Initially, Lucy turned her back on football out of fear that she wouldn't be accepted after coming out. But when she ended up in hospital after suffering a heart attack, the flag-bearing ref decided to pick up her whistle once again and embrace who she was.
Now, five years on from transitioning, Lucy will find herself in the Guinness World Records book and credits the sport for saving her life. "If I didn't have football, I wonder whether I'd actually be here," she told the organisation after feeling "honoured" by receiving her record.
"When I was young, I knew what was going on in my head and there were lots of things that young boys were doing that I didn't want to be doing. I didn't want to be playing soldiers but I could play football."
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Lucy then detailed her suicide attempt and revealed how Sutton United's home stadium, Gander Green Lane, helped her come down from a high-rise building in the town safely. Suicide prevention group Samaritans said in 2022 that one study found trans people were at twice the risk of suicide attempts compared to cisgender females and four times compared to cisgender males.
"I did try to commit suicide when I was younger," Lucy courageously explained. "I used to stand on the top of Balaam House, willing myself to jump. I'd go to the side that overlooks Sutton United. I'd have that focus and see that ground, which probably made me come down in a lift rather than other forms."
Fortunately, the 51-year-old is still here and keeping players in check on a weekly basis, despite still suffering some abuse, such as in the comments on Twitter after her record was publicised. "Replies and RT are not worth reading but hey it is what it is… #bulletproof," Lucy tweeted.
Lucy Clark's bravery is helping blaze a trail for transgender people in football (Pic: Lucy Copsey)
She's a referee for Women's National League matches and at grassroots level for men (Pic: Glyn Roberts)"Refereeing, you just forget about everything," she went on to affirm in the interview. "Football's great for your mental health and your physical health. 2017-18 was going to be my last season refereeing, having been a referee for many years. I was in the process of transitioning and at that point, I didn't think that the football world would accept me."
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football earlier this year, she issued a rallying cry for football to be more inclusive when it comes to all minority communities. "There has to be a place for trans people in sport, it has to be done fairly but there has to be a place for us. Especially in football," Lucy declared.
"Football is for everyone. It's the biggest sport in the world. Everyone loves football. And for me, football saved my life. If I didn't have football, I wouldn't be here today. Football allowed me to forget what was going on in my head when I was in my teenage years and when I was down."
If you're struggling and need to talk about any of the issues mentioned in this article, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123.
Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.
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