Melbourne United center Isaac Humphries has come out as the first openly gay player in a top-tier men’s basketball league.
Humphries shared the news with his teammates on Wednesday morning, posting a video of the moment via his social media.
He also opened up the struggles he dealt with in coming to terms with his sexuality, revealing that he even tried to take his own life several years ago.
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“A few years ago, I fell into a very dark place, a very lonely place,” Humphries told United teammates and other staff.
“I couldn’t be who I am, and I tried to take my life. The main reason behind me becoming so low and being in that point is because I was very much struggling with my sexuality and coming to terms with the fact that I’m gay.
“I hated it about myself. I was disgusted at myself. I thought that I could not be that person within our environment, within a basketball environment. It wasn’t until I was in a community that’s full of pride and happiness and joy; it was a big wake-up call for me.
“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 want to 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 24-year-old joins A-League player Josh Cavallo as the only openly gay male athlete across the country’s major sporting codes.
Humphries is the second professional basketball player to come out as gay while playing in a top-tier league after former NBA center Jason Collins did so in 2013.
United threw its support behind Humphries after the announcement including coach Dean Vickerman saying he was full of admiration for the player.
“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.
“We can’t underestimate how difficult this must have been for Isaac, but I’m really excited by the fact that he can be completely open and honest with his teammates and now ultimately, the world. It’s huge.
“Isaac has also made it clear to me and the rest of the team that while this is a massive opportunity for him off the court, his focus remains on the court. We will continue to support Isaac however we can, while also pursuing another NBL championship with this group.”
Humphries has averaged 12 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game for United this season.
He played two years at college at Kentucky and has also had stints in the NBA, NBA-League and Europe throughout his professional basketball career.
Pride In Sport’s national program manager Beau Newell applauded Humphries for his “courage” and “leadership” in paving the way for athletes to be their authentic selves.
“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.
“Like Humphries, many athletes self-edit their existence in sports and spend 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.
“… Sport has an amazing opportunity to provide a safe and inclusive environment to all people, including people with diverse genders and sexualities. We congratulate Melbourne United and the NBL for providing a player with a welcoming, supportive, and safe professional environment where he can be himself.
“We applaud Humphries for sharing his story and couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Dr Erik Denison, an expert at Monash University’s BehaviourWorks Australia, said there is still plenty that needs to be done to make players like Humphries feel welcome.
“It’s great to see Isaac’s team supporting him, but they need to do much more than this. “Basketball is not safe for gay and bisexual kids,” he said.
“We need basketball’s leaders to invest in strategies to stop harmful homophobic behaviors in their sport. These behaviors make athletes like Isaac feel unsafe and unwelcome.
“… The video recorded by Isaac is heart wrenching. Professional athletes should not feel they need to make the choice between taking their own lives, dropping out of sports, or coming out to their teammates.”
Humphries’ courage was celebrated not only by the Australian sporting community but worldwide, with prominent NBA journalists Adrian Wojnarowski and Malika Andrews among those to share his story.
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