Praise for Isaac’s brave call
MELBOURNE United centre Isaac Humphries has received global respect after revealing he is the NBL’s first openly gay man during an emotional and brave address to teammates.
Humphries took to social media on Wednesday morning to reveal he once attempted to take his own life as he battled with his sexuality.
The 24-year-old, who played five NBA games for the
Atlanta Hawks in 2018-19, is now comfortable with his identity and wanted to publicly share his story in a bid to help others. “A few years ago, I fell into a very dark place, a very lonely place and I couldn’t be who I am,” Humphries told his United teammates.
“I attempted to take my own life and the main reason for 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. And I hated it about myself. I was disgusted at myself.
“I thought that I could not be that person within our environment and within a basketball environment.”
Humphries said he finally accepted his sexuality when he was in a community “full of pride, happiness and joy”.
He wanted to remove any stigma associated with professional athletes being gay.
“It was a big wake-up call for me,” he said. “I decided that if I’m going to join a team, that I’m going to come out publicly and just make sure that people know that you can live, and you don’t have to hide just because you are an athlete.
“That’s my goal behind this, is to make people know that 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.”
Melbourne United’s CEO Nick Truelson expressed the pride felt throughout the entire club. “Our whole organisation is just so proud of Isaac,” Truelson said. “Today is an incredible step in Isaac’s journey, and we as a club are wholeheartedly supportive of him.”
The NBL and NBA also released statements of support.
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