Isaac Humphries Has Come Out As the First Openly Gay Australian Professional Basketball Player

An Australian first.

This article contains discussions about mental health. If you or someone you know is having a difficult time, visit headspace.org.au to get resources or to access support.

In an Australian-first, NBL player Isaac Humphries has come out as gay.

He’s become the only openly gay currently listed player in a top-tier men’s basketball league in the world.

Isaac shared an emotional video of him speaking to and coming out to his teammates on social media this morning.

Isaac currently plays for Melbourne United in the NBL, and has previously represented the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA.

In the video, Isaac shared his difficulties with mental health and attempted suicide as he came to terms with his sexuality.

“A few years ago, I fell into a very dark place, a very lonely place,” he said.

“I couldn’t be who I am, and I attempted 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.”

Isaac then spoke about how he came to accept his sexuality.

“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.”

Isaac has become just the second man to come out as gay while playing professional sport in Australia, after soccer player Josh Cavallo came out last year.

Pride in Sport, a national body representing LGBTQIA+ Australians in sport, has applauded Isaac, and commented that despite the lack of representation, outcomes for queer athletes are getting better.

“This is a fear that is justified for many, but as many LGBTQ athletes who have recently come out over the past few years have demonstrated, such as Adelaide United FC player Josh Cavallo most recently, it has not been their experience.”

Dr Erik Denison is a researcher from Monash University’s BehaviourWorks Australia, which has conducted research into homophobia in sport, and he says there needs to be more support for LGBTQIA+ players into the future.

“We need basketball's leaders to invest in strategies to stop harmful homophobic behaviours in their sport. These behaviours make athletes like Isaac feel unsafe and unwelcome,” he said.

“Gay boys play team sports like basketball at half the rate of straight boys because they feel unsafe and unwelcome.”

Isaac’s message has resonated with fans and other players online, providing some real hope for the future of LGBTQIA+ sportspeople.

If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or visit headspace to find your nearest centre or to get support online.