Melbourne United star Isaac Humphries made history this Wednesday, coming out as gay both to his team and the world at large through a video posted to Twitter.
Humphries, 24, posted the video to his Twitter account Wednesday morning, which showed him coming out to his Melbourne United teammates, as well as speaking about the tragic effects that concealing his identity had on his mental health.
— Isaac Humphries (@IsaacHumphries7) November 15, 2022
“A few years ago, I fell into a very dark place, a very lonely place, 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 am gay,” Humphries said.
“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, and 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.
“But then came the big question mark of, ‘How do I be a basketball player and how do I join a new team when I’ve finally come to terms with this about myself and I don’t want to hide who I am anymore?
“I decided if I’m going to join a team that I’m going to come out publicly and just make sure people know that you can live and you don’t have to hide.”
Humphries signed with Melbourne United in July of 2022, something that he says was a big reason behind his coming out publicly.
United coach Dean Vickerman said the club was incredibly proud of Humphries, acknowledging how significant of a decision he made.
“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," Vickerman said.
"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."
United CEO Nick Truelson echoed Vickerman’s sentiment, saying that they supported Humphries both as a player and as a person.
“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. Not only as a member of our club, but as a person.
“This is a momentous occasion for him personally, but also for male sport on a global scale."
Pride In Sport also put out a statement in full support of Humphries, congratulating his bravery and offering their fullest support.
"It is the right of every player to be accepted and affirmed, on and off the sporting field, and we know that when this happens, mental and physical health outcomes dramatically improve," said Pride In Sport's National Program Manager Beau Newell.
"Sport has an amazing opportunity to provide a safe and inclusive environment to all people, including people with diverse genders and sexualities. We congratulate Melbourne United and the NBL for providing a player with a welcoming, supportive, and safe professional environment where he can be himself.
"We applaud Humphries for sharing his story and couldn’t be prouder of him."
The basketball world has responded with an outpouring of love and support for Humphries, who is not only the first openly gay NBL player but also the first openly gay male basketball player in any top-tier league globally.
Tremendous courage and purpose https://t.co/GhbZ0sMd68
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 15, 2022
♥️ Well done Isaac. 💪👊 https://t.co/CK4guLJTXE
— Andrew Gaze (@AndrewGaze10) November 15, 2022
One of the bravest Wildcats to ever wear the blue and white. https://t.co/XXYrTwGnrW
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) November 16, 2022
https://t.co/nVVJSupmFo pic.twitter.com/AbcLdBWA94
— NBA (@NBA) November 15, 2022
Now with United, Humphries has had a stellar basketball career; after playing at the University of Kentucky he enjoyed stints in Serbia, the G-League, and even played five games with the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA.