Aussie Basketballer Isaac Humphries Came Out As Gay To His Team Yes, I’m Bawling At The Vid

Aussie basketball player Isaac Humphries has come out as gay, making him the first openly gay man in the National Basketball League. Say it with me now: king shit. Humphries has received widespread support after a video of him coming out to his Melbourne United teammates gained tonnes of traction online. In the video, Humphries told the team about how he had struggled with his identity and mental health. “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. “And 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.” He touched on the incredibly difficult experience of internalised homophobia, saying he was “disgusted” at himself. “I thought I could not be that person… within a basketball environment,” he explained. “It wasn’t until I was in a community that’s full of pride and happiness and joy, and it was a big wake up call for me.” Rightio, I’m full weeping into my keyboard. Humphries said he had to navigate playing basketball, plus joining a new team while celebrating and accepting himself. “I don’t want to hide who I am anymore. “I decided that if I’m going to join a team, I’m going to come out publicly and just make sure people know that you can live, and you don’t have to hide, just because I’m an athlete.” He then brought up the importance of athletes setting an example for other people, saying his goal was to make sure people know “you can be whatever you want, no matter who you are and what you do”. “You can be ‘Big Ice’ and be gay, and you can still be a great basketball player and be gay,” he added. I must confess: I have never before heard the name “Big Ice” but I am crying anyway. The video finished with shots of Humphries and his teammates hugging. As it should be.

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A post shared by Isaac Humphries (@isaachumphries7)

https://t.co/nVVJSupmFo pic.twitter.com/AbcLdBWA94

— NBA (@NBA) November 15, 2022

Really proud of former Cat Isaac Humphries and the courage behind this video

Take a couple minutes to watch https://t.co/lVYj17xNQP

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) November 15, 2022

I love you, Isaac Humphries.

— Kirsty Webeck (@KirstyWebeck) November 15, 2022

statementBeau Newell

“Humphries, an elite, professional male basketball player, is the one of only few elite male athletes in Australia to come out publicly as gay,” he said.

Jason CollinsJosh Cavallocoming out

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If you need mental health support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online. Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online. You can also reach the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or chat online.

If you require immediate assistance, please call 000. 

If you’d like to talk about the issues raised in this story, you can call the QLife LGBTI peer support hotline on 1800 184 527 or chat online.  QLife operates between 3pm and midnight daily.

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