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Melbourne United’s Isaac Humphries hopes his decision to publicly announce he is gay paves the way for more professional sportsmen to do the same.
United’s starting center Humphries became the first openly gay player in NBL history – and the second player to do so in a top league in the world – when he made his announcement to teammates on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old is the second active athlete in one of Australia’s top sports leagues to come out as gay, along with A-League Men player Josh Cavallo.
“I believe it’s definitely time to make a change and be an example to the next generation that they can be anything they want while staying true to themselves,” Humphries said.
Humphries (pictured playing for Melbourne United) bravely told his teammates about the huge toll he had taken as he struggled to accept his sexuality
“I want to show that you can be a top athlete, you can be anything you want and still be gay.”
Humphries told teammates that he had been through “extremely dark times” and had hidden his sexuality from loved ones and even himself – which led to him thinking about ending it at some point.
“It’s a truth about myself that I’ve wanted to deny for a long time, but now I feel comfortable telling you all. That truth is that I am gay,” Humphries said.
“I went through extremely dark times on this journey, but I’ve had so much growth and I’m happy with who I am now.
“I’ve discovered a lot about myself during this most recent off-season, and I’ve been thinking about this a lot.
The star was picked up by the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks (pictured) in 2019 and then joined the LA Clippers for the league’s summer season.
“I knew that if I was going to join a team and start a season, I would have to reveal who I am and not hide anymore.”
He signed with Melbourne United in July.
“We as athletes, as professional athletes, have a responsibility to set an example for people,” he told teammates in the video release.
And the truth is that there are so many people in other worlds who struggle every day and don’t know how to get up, don’t know how to exist.
“I know how that feels and I want to represent those people.
“That’s my purpose behind this,[to]make sure people know you can be whatever you want, no matter who you are or what you do.
‘I just want to be myself. I’ve discovered that this is my purpose in life and I’m just going to do my best.’
Humphries is the second male basketball player to come out as gay while playing in one of the world’s top basketball leagues.
NBA veteran Jason Collins was the first, in 2013.
Humphries’ announcement came ahead of a meeting with his former club Adelaide 36ers at the John Cain Arena on Thursday night.
United CEO Nick Truelson and head coach Dean Vickerman said the organization is proud of Humphries.
Humphries is only the second openly gay player in a top-level basketball league after NBA’s Jason Collins announced his sexuality in 2013.
“Today is an incredible step in Isaac’s journey and we as a club wholeheartedly support him,” said Truelson.
‘Not only as a member of our club, but also as a person.
“This is a momentous event for him personally, but also for male sport worldwide.”
A host of sports stars, fans, teams – and even the NBA itself – praised Humphries for taking the huge step.
“We are proud and grateful to Isaac for sharing his story,” the NBA’s official Twitter account read.
“We know the impact his courage and honesty will have on many others. Isaac has our undying respect and support.”
The Brisbane Lions AFL team replied: ‘Inspire and help people by sharing your story, friend!’ while the Adelaide United A-League side added: ‘Proud of you, @IsaacHumphries7’.
NBA coach Dave Love was also a fan of the news, as was Perth Wildcats owner Craig Hutchison, who wrote, “Incredibly brave, powerful and inspiring. Thank you @IsaacHumphries7 for sharing your journey. The whole @NBL world is behind you.”