Melbourne United’s Isaac Humphries (right) has become the first openly gay man in the NBL.Credit:Getty Images
“But then came the big question mark of how do I be a basketball player,and how do I join a new team when I’ve finally come to terms with this about myself and I don’t wanna hide who I am anymore? I decided that,if I’m gonna join a team,that I’m gonna come out publicly,and just make sure people know that you can live. And you don’t have to hide,just because you’re an athlete.”
The NBA shared Humphries’ video to Twitter,saying the organisation was “proud and grateful to Isaac for sharing his story”.
“We know the real impact his honesty and courage will have on many others. Isaac has our unwavering respect and support,” the statement said to the NBA’s 40 million followers.
United coach Dean Vickerman was full of admiration for Humphries.
“We love Isaac here at the club. For him to feel comfortable to be his true self here is great,and we couldn’t be more proud of him,” Vickerman said.
NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said Humphries had always been “a role model and leader”.
Beau Newell,the program manager for Pride in Sport,the national not-for-profit program that supports Australian sporting organisations and clubs in all aspects of LGBTQ inclusion,praised Humphries’ decision.
“His bravery is to be congratulated,and his journey shows the unfortunate reality that many athletes face when they are not able to enjoy the sport they love as their true selves,” Newell said.
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“Like Humphries,many athletes self-edit their existence in sport and expend a good deal of their daily energy on hiding their true self from others. His statement highlights the fear that many athletes have in coming out:that they will face potential discrimination,harassment,bullying from those within their sport and loss of professional opportunities.
“It is the right of every player to be accepted and affirmed,on and off the sporting field,and we know that when this happens,mental and physical health outcomes dramatically improve.”