Today, Melbourne United’s Isaac Humphries shared a part of himself that had been hidden for the majority of his time as an NBL player, his sexuality.
Humphries made the announcement on Wednesday in a video shared across his social media channels, showing the moment he revealed the news to his teammates.
View this post on Instagram
“I have hidden something about myself my whole life, from everyone I love, and even myself sometimes. It is a truth about myself that I have wanted to deny for a long time, but now I feel comfortable in telling you all. That truth, is that I am gay.” Humphries said.
“I have been through extremely dark times during this journey, but I have been through so much growth and I am now happy with who I am.”
“I figured out a lot about myself during this most recent off-season, and I have thought about this a lot. I knew if I were to join a team and start a season, I knew I would have to reveal who I am and not hide any more.”
“I have finally come to a point where I know I can reveal myself as a gay man and still play professional sport.”
The announcement means that Humphries becomes the only openly gay male professional basketball player currently playing in a top-tier league, anywhere in the world. He also makes history by becoming the first-ever Australian male basketball player, and the first player in the NBL to be openly gay.
“I believe it is definitely time to make a change and set an example to the next generation that they can be anything they want while still being true to themselves.” Humphries continued.
“I want to demonstrate that you can be a professional athlete, you can be anything you want, and still be gay.”
“By me being truthful with you, I hope you understand that this will now allow me to be truly myself, both in life and as a member of this team.”
Humphries explained how even though he had been playing in front of thousands of people every game, hearing them chant your name, and wearing his jersey but what should be the best feeling in the world left him feeling hollow.
In 2020 when Humphries was playing with the Adelaide 36ers at 22 years of age, he opened up on the duality of entertaining the crowd of 10,000 on a Saturday night, only to feel empty as he drove out of the arena, escaping to his Henly Beach apartment to be all alone. One of these nights resulted in him coming dangerously close to taking his own life.
He battled a heavy period of depression during his time with the 36ers but continued on, finding a new home, new team and acceptance in Melbourne.
“Over my entire career, there was no reality that existed where I could be an openly gay man while playing basketball. Until now.” said Humphries.
Humphries attended an all-male private school from the age of 13 growing up in Australia, a period where he felt there was an unspoken expectation that everyone was straight. These forced social expectations continued to play a huge role in Humphries’ life, entering the world of professional basketball.
“There were really no avenues for me to see members of the LGBTQ+ community. Anyone who’s ever been in a locker room understands the sentiments that float around. There’s unintentional derogatory slang and ridiculing anything with a gay connotation.” he said.
It was only during his time spent in Los Angeles in 2021, a trip to focus on multiple injuries he suffered whilst playing in Adelaide, that he began to see things differently. The distance from professional sports, the Californian lifestyle and the openness other celebrities enjoyed around who they are filled Humphries with new happiness and take on things.
“You can be a gay man and an elite basketball player in one of the best leagues in the world. I’m living proof of that.
My journey to get to this point in my life was harder than it should’ve been, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Without those dark points, I wouldn’t have been thrust into situations where I had to explore, discover and learn to accept who I really am.
If there are negative aspects that come with my decision to come out, I’ll take those barbs so others don’t have to; as long as it means we make progress along the way and kids in particular feel they can be whoever they want.
I’m so fortunate to be able to do this with this Melbourne United team. It says a lot about the club that I really do feel so comfortable doing this with them. To other sports teams out there, create environments that are welcoming to people of different sexualities, faiths, races. Not only is it the right thing to do, but I promise you’ll get the most out of every person in your organization for it.” said Humphries.
Melbourne United Head Coach Dean Vickerman also spoke of his admiration for Humphries and the courage he displayed opening up to his teammates on an issue he has contemplated for a long time.
“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.”
“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 occasion 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.”
Former NBA journeyman Jason Collins, who is also gay, shared a message of support for Humphries. “Thank you for sharing your truth with the world and please know that your story will help inspire someone else to step forward as well,” he tweeted.
An outpouring of support from fans, media and even the NBA itself has followed since.
Thank you for sharing your truth with the world and please know that your story will help inspire someone else to step forward as well. Congratulations and best of luck this season. @NBL @MelbUnited #Pride🏳️🌈 🏀 https://t.co/g0gpk0NYon
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) November 15, 2022
https://t.co/nVVJSupmFo pic.twitter.com/AbcLdBWA94
— NBA (@NBA) November 15, 2022
Make no mistake, this is a very powerful day in Australian basketball and sport thanks to Isaac Humphries. It’s gutsy, because some still have a long way to go, but people like Isaac will pave the way for change and acceptance. We are who we are.
— Michael Randall (@MickRandallHS) November 15, 2022
I love you, Isaac Humphries. 💜
— Kirsty Webeck (@KirstyWebeck) November 15, 2022
Just watched the Isaac Humphries video and you know it’s probably a good day to work from home given all the dust in the air
— Dan (@theSportress) November 15, 2022
As someone who watched a ton of Isaac Humphries games from his time at Kentucky, this is super cool to see.
Good for him. https://t.co/uz8IO84IDo
— Jim Miloch (@podoffame) November 15, 2022
This is so powerful. Everyone deserves to live their truth 🌈💜 – Melbourne United player Isaac Humphries tells teammates he is gay in emotional speech – ABC News https://t.co/uXaTmybjXz #equality #basketball #LGBTQIA
— michael delaney (@michael_delaney) November 16, 2022
TODAY IM PROUD TO BE AN NBL FAN AND IM PROUD TO BE GAY….
Today is a powerful day in the #NBL, What @IsaacHumphries7 did today takes courage and sends a message that it's ok to be gay no matter who you are or what you do. @MelbUnited #MelbourneUnited #IsaacHumphries @NBL pic.twitter.com/d78nux6wiL
— Tyson S Black (@Tyson_S_Black) November 16, 2022
Melbourne United will next face Isaac Humphries’ former club, the Adelaide 36ers, at 7:30pm Thursday, November 17 at John Cain Arena.