Love & Futbol Roni Winston

Most people in the world do not appreciate how cultural norms change over time, but they change because of people. Not the people observing from the back in the nosebleeds’ section, but rather those who actively participate on the stage amongst the action.

Kylian Mbappé Lottin did just that when he was photographed at the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival with his then girlfriend, 32 year old model Ines-Loan Rau, who was also the first openly Trans woman to be a Playboy playmate Mbappe was simply living like most 24 year olds by enjoying the privileges of youth and dating, but he has a twist. Mbappe is known on an international scale because of his abilities as a footballer with the Ligue 1 club, Paris SaintGermain, and France’s National Team. In Mbappe’s position, as one of the top footballers, the very aggressive and male centered world, could draw the ire and ridicule of his peers for this relationship, but he stepped out in the world with her anyway.

Both Mbappe and Rau are significant to the history of LGBTQIA+ people because their relationship was not defined by people. It was about them and testing the strength of relationships They are simply two young people exploring who they are and what they want. Those social norms be damned!

The relationship was short lived, but it sang volumes to the people. It is the kind of story that we tell in our circles with pride because this kind of refusal to hide is representative of the impact we have had There was a time when Mbappe and Rau could have been arrested or killed for their relationship Haters and hate still exist, but haters can not take away the pleasures of being your authentic self. Mbappe is the epitome of masculinity respecting the energy of Rau’s trans femininity. Although the relationship has ended, they have been game changers. The hope is that within our community we understand visibility as our super power and those who date/love us respect the responsibility.