Melbourne United player Isaac Humphries has publicly shared that he is gay, becoming the only openly gay player in a top men’s basketball league.
Humphries made the announcement on Wednesday (AEDT) via a video posted on his social media channels, showing the moment he shared the news with his teammates.
“We, as athletes, as professional athletes, have a responsibility to set an example for everyone,” Humphries said in the video.
“The truth is that there are a lot of people in the other world who are struggling every day and don’t know how to get up, [and] do not know how to survive. I know what that feels like and I want to represent those people.
“That’s my goal behind this: make sure people know you can be whatever you want to be, no matter who you are or what you do. You can be Big Ice and gay. , and you can still be a great basketball player and be gay. You can do whatever you want. It has nothing to do with your gender, who you are, what you want to be. who or who you are expected to be. I just want to be myself. I discovered this my purpose in life, and I will do my best.”
Humphries is United’s starting striker in the Australian NBL, and is averaging 12 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks. He put on a 20-point performance against South East Melbourne Phoenix, and currently leads the league in saves.
Humphries told ESPN: “It was a huge weight off my shoulders.
“I was so nervous and scared to have to talk like that, but when I got everyone’s reaction and everyone was so happy and proud, I didn’t feel nervous anymore. About anything. Because everything went so smoothly, I don’t worry anymore about the world’s response.
“Being a role model is the main reason I’m doing this. I’ve always wanted to be someone that people admire and see as a good example. I take my background in society very seriously and I’ve always been. Sure, I can help a lot of people and be someone they can see as an example of someone who can be gay in sports, gay in sports. basketball.”
The 24-year-old is only the second men’s basketball player to say he’s gay while playing in a premier league; for the first time since NBA player Jason Collins, who did so in 2013.
“I would love to have more versions of myself to show me that being gay in basketball is okay,” Humphries said.
“If I had a role model like that, or someone to look up to, I’m sure I wouldn’t go down the road of thinking that taking my life was the only option. I would learn that, when you’re different and unique, and you don’t see representation, it’s hard to think that’s possible. It’s hard to think you can survive in that space when no one else is doing it.
“I know it happens in a lot of different ways around the world and it’s just getting better. This is just my chance to make sport better in that sense and leave my mark. myself in that way, while also making sure others have the role model I wish I had.”
The news received enthusiastic support from the United organization, Humphries and NBL teammates.
“For Isaac to feel comfortable moving on with this and starting this new process for him, to be at our club – and he’s only been here for a short period of time – has pride. within the club that we have created an environment where he feels safe, where he wants to be himself and will be supported throughout that journey,” United captain Chris Goulding told ESPN.
“It was a round of applause when he finished his speech; the boys hugged him. He was referring to the fact that the professional sports environment, especially the men’s teams, usually doesn’t. It has to be a super exciting environment to live in a different way from what most people in that sport do.
“Often there can be jokes or things that make Isaac uncomfortable, but now that everyone knows and everyone supports him, we know this is the way forward. This is how you educate. This is how you get accepted. This is how people explode a trail and get bigger than the game, which we hope Isaac will become.
“I’m quite proud of the club in that respect. But, I want to be proud in two or three weeks of how we’ve accepted it, and in six months’ time, and a year’s time; I’m more excited about how we will have a crush on Isaac and potentially other gay basketball players in the future than right now.”
United chief executive Nick Truelson said: “Our entire organization is very proud of Isaac.
“Today is an incredible step forward in Isaac’s journey and we as a club wholeheartedly support him. Not only as a member of the club but also as a member of the club. This is a momentous occasion for him personally, but also for men’s sport on a global scale.
“Our aim at Melbourne United is to use the power of basketball to enrich the lives of our community, and this includes a strong focus on inclusion and diversity. Very pleased that Isaac has identified our club as a safe space where he can be his true self.”
In the video, Humphries talks about his mental health and state of mind while hiding his gender.
“A few years ago, I fell into a very dark place, a very lonely place,” Humphries told the United players, coaches and executives room.
“I couldn’t be myself, and I tried to take my life. The main reason behind me being so low and falling into such a situation was because I struggled a lot with gender. myself and accept the fact that I am gay.
“I hate that about myself. I loathe myself. I thought I couldn’t be that person in our environment, in the basketball environment. Until I was in an overflowing community. filled with pride, happiness and joy; it was a big wake-up call for me.
“But then there was a big question mark about how did I become a basketball player, and how do I join a new team when I finally accepted this about myself and I don’t want to hide who I am anymore. I decided that, if I join a team, I will go public and just make sure people know that you can live. And you don’t have to hide, just because you’re an athlete.”
The NSW native played two seasons of college basketball at the University of Kentucky and has spent time in the NBA, NBL, NBA G-League and Europe during his professional career.
Shortly after the announcement, the NBA released a statement supporting Humphries’ decision: “We are proud and grateful to Isaac for sharing his story. We know the real impact of honesty and his bravery for many others. We always respect and support Isaac.”
Openly LGBTQIA+ athletes are still rare in male-dominated sports leagues. In 2021, Carl Nassib becomes the first openly gay player in the NFL; That same year, Luke Prokop also announced he was gay, becoming the first NHL player to do so. In Australia, Humphries joined football player Josh Cavallo is the only openly gay male athlete across the country’s major sports leagues.
United manager Dean Vickerman said: “We love Isaac here at the club.
“For him, it’s been great to feel comfortable being who you are here, and we couldn’t be more proud of him.”
“We cannot underestimate how hard it is for Isaac to go through, but I’m really excited by the fact that he can be completely open and honest with his teammates and ultimately with the whole team. the world. It’s so big.”
“Isaac has also made it clear to me and the rest of the team that while this is a big occasion for him to leave the field, he remains focused on the pitch. We will continue to support Isaac in every way possible. possible way, while pursuing another NBL championship with this group.”
NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said Humphries’ announcement shows the NBL continues to be a place where players, coaches and staff feel safe and supported.
“As a Federation, we celebrate people from all walks of life, while embracing and promoting diversity and inclusion,” added Loeliger.
“Basketball is a game that brings people together, and it doesn’t show more clearly today.
“Isaac has always been a role model and a leader. He’s the person we’ve always valued most.
“Isaac has behaved admirably today and throughout his career, addressing what is clearly a significant cause of personal suffering and terror.”
Humphries will have his next game for United (5-5) on Thursday night against his former side, the Adelaide 36ers.
