Edda Wolfer fights for recognition

A Goalkeeper Seeking Civil Status Recognition

At 27, Edda Wolfer Bouchareb has become a prominent figure for trans visibility in Normandy. As the goalkeeper for Avant Garde Caennaise (AG Caen), she’s fighting to have her civil status legally recognized—a critical step that would allow her to officially compete in Regional 1 with the women’s team. Gayviking had previously shared her story; but today, she steps back into the spotlight as her journey enters a legal phase.

Over the summer of 2025, Caen’s judicial court reviewed her case in two separate hearings. On June 6, the proceedings were halted following a negative opinion from the public prosecutor. They argued that Edda’s transition was “not sufficiently established over time,” notably citing “a lack of appearance consistent with female gender markers.” These criteria, which many LGBTQIA+ organizations denounce as discriminatory, sparked widespread anger and frustration.

Community Support Outside the Courthouse

In response to the prosecutor’s stance, around thirty people gathered outside Caen’s courthouse on July 4. Activists from the Normandy LGBTI Center and feminist collectives came to show their support for Edda. One volunteer at the LGBTI Center shared, “It’s important to let her know she’s not alone in this, and to remind institutions that trans people are part of a broader, united community.”

For Edda, the case is bigger than her personal journey. “This will matter for others too,” she told Ouest-France. The final court ruling is expected in September and could significantly impact her future, both in sports and in everyday life.

Targeted by Transphobic Harassment on Campus

But her challenges go beyond the legal battle. Recently, Edda faced transphobic harassment at the University of Caen. The far-right group Némésis carried out an operation on Campus 1, plastering hate-filled posters and stickers while filming the confrontation and sharing it on Instagram.

On her social media, Edda recounted what occurred: “I came face to face with members of the far-right group Némésis. They were masked and dressed in black, covering university boards with xenophobic and transphobic stickers.” She added that after attempting a calm dialogue, she was physically shoved. The footage, shared without her consent, triggered a wave of online hate and abuse.

Victory on the Field as a Statement of Strength

Despite the harassment, Edda presses on. On August 30, 2025, she played in a friendly match against professional team Quevilly-Rouen Métropole (QRM), held at the Caen University stadium. The match ended in a resounding 9-0 win for AG Caen. As goalkeeper, Edda kept a clean sheet, showcasing her skill and resilience.

She shared her thoughts with Gayviking: “Beyond the score, this was symbolic—a trans woman participating in a women’s football match against a pro team. It’s a step forward for trans visibility in sports.” With encouragement from her teammates and coach, and rainbow flags waving in the stands, Edda described the experience as a powerful moment of solidarity and recognition.

A Beacon of Hope for a More Inclusive Society

Edda Wolfer Bouchareb’s journey—navigating legal struggles, facing bigotry, and expressing her truth through sport—embodies the resilience of a new generation striving for equality and acceptance. Her tireless advocacy and presence on the field make her a powerful symbol of hope for the trans community in Normandy and far beyond.