*The following article contains discussion of suicide/self-harm.
Isaac Humphries, a professional basketball player for Melbourne United–which is part of Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL)–came out as gay with an emotionally powerful speech in front of his Australian league teammates in their locker room.
"This is probably going to be one of the hardest conversations I'll ever have in my life," said the Sydney native, "but life is about doing hard things and learning from them and making a difference through those hard times. So bear with me."
The 24-year-old–a 7 foot center who previously played for the Atlanta Hawks and the University of Kentucky–said he "fell into a very dark place, a very lonely place" that didn't allow him to be who he was.
As a result, he said that he attempted to take his own life.
"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."
"And I hated it about myself. I was disgusted at myself."
You can watch his speech, here.
\u201chttps://t.co/YTMc5bzLKc\u201d— Isaac Humphries (@Isaac Humphries) 1668551101
Humphries touched on the stigmatization of being gay within the realm of sports that forces many closeted athletes to repress their identity out of shame and at the risk of losing their careers.
"I thought that I could not be that person within our environment and within our basketball environment."
Humphries said his wake-up call wasn't until he was in a community full of “pride and happiness and joy”–that was revealed as Los Angeles in an open letter.
"But then came the big question 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."
Holding back tears, he said that if we was to join a team, he was going to come out publicly and make sure people know they don't have to hide who they are "just because you're an athlete."
"But I do want to say that we, as professional athletes, we have a responsibility to set examples for people."
"And the truth is there are so many people in other worlds that are struggling every single day and don't know how to get up. Don't know how to exist. And I know how that feels, and I want to represent those people."
He added:
“That’s my goal behind this, [to] make sure people know that you can be whatever you want, no matter who you are and what you do."
"It has nothing to do with your sexuality or who you are or who you’re meant to be or who you’re expected to be. I just want to be myself."
"I’ve discovered this is my purpose in life, and I’m going to give it my best go.”
The inspirational video concluded with fellow teammates applauding him–many even offering him hugs.
Twitter gave him props for opening up about his struggles.
\u201c@IsaacHumphries7 Absolutely beautiful video. It takes insane amount of courage to speak out about who you are in this world , I hope with this you find more peace with who you are. Im so proud of you Isaac! More of this in professional sports! All the support to you! Live a life full of love \u2764\ufe0f\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08\u201d— Isaac Humphries (@Isaac Humphries) 1668551101
\u201c@IsaacHumphries7 Oh @IsaacHumphries7 I am so so happy for you!! Your courage, vulnerability and honesty have set you free. And will improve the lives of countless others. Sending heaps of love\n \ud83e\udd17\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08\ud83d\udc95\ud83d\udc9c\u201d— Isaac Humphries (@Isaac Humphries) 1668551101
\u201c@IsaacHumphries7 Doing the right thing when no one's watching is just one metric of dignity.\nGiving of yourself, in an intimate task in broad daylight exposed & vulnerable to the forces of human nature is another.\nYou've saved lives today @IsaacHumphries7.\nA guardian for those experiencing storms\u201d— Isaac Humphries (@Isaac Humphries) 1668551101
\u201c@IsaacHumphries7 I don't say this lightly. Your honesty and courage will save the lives of so many young LGBT youth who feel isolated, alone and unloved. Thank you!\u201d— Isaac Humphries (@Isaac Humphries) 1668551101
\u201c@IsaacHumphries7 This is awesome! I remember coming out @ UK. People were always supportive, but I know not everyone had that experience throughout life. It takes a lot and I\u2019m excited for you! Congrats on taking this step! Go Cats, Go Issac, and y\u2019all means all!\u201d— Isaac Humphries (@Isaac Humphries) 1668551101
\u201c@IsaacHumphries7 Isaac, I and the rest of BBN love you for you no matter what! I\u2019m so glad you\u2019re still here with us and I sincerely wish for you to have all the comfort, joy and inner peace you deserve \ud83d\udc99\u201d— Isaac Humphries (@Isaac Humphries) 1668551101
\u201c@IsaacHumphries7 Outstanding Isaac, the amount of young people, not just basketballers, that your message will influence and resonate with is overwhelming. Much respect to you.\u201d— Isaac Humphries (@Isaac Humphries) 1668551101
\u201c@IsaacHumphries7 I see courage and strength. You're an inspiration for just being yourself. Sending you all the love from a straight man who's only wish in life is that we all get along and accept each other for who we are.\u201d— Isaac Humphries (@Isaac Humphries) 1668551101
\u201c@IsaacHumphries7 Congratulations mate. Well done. Our journey to accept ourselves is only the first part. Living authentically publicly comes next. Glad you did it in your own time and your own way. Best wishes for exciting and freeing journey ahead \ud83d\udc4f\u201d— Isaac Humphries (@Isaac Humphries) 1668551101
\u201c@IsaacHumphries7 So glad you could do this. My son struggled with his sexuality as well when he was younger and I felt for him so much. All power to you young man. \ud83d\udc9c\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08\u201d— Isaac Humphries (@Isaac Humphries) 1668551101
\u201c@IsaacHumphries7 Hi Isaac. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for standing up & choosing to be a role model for those of us who are struggling. Know that you don\u2019t have to bear that responsibility. We do not expect it of you. Thank you for being a voice for us. We are all better because of you\u201d— Isaac Humphries (@Isaac Humphries) 1668551101
Following his speech, retired NBA star Jason Collins, who came out as gay while an active professional player, lauded Humphries on Twitter.
\u201cThank 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\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08 \ud83c\udfc0\u201d— Jason Collins (@Jason Collins) 1668554827
Thank you, Isaac, for your courage, for speaking your truth, and for letting others who may be struggling know they are not alone.
Hopefully, one day, we can all openly and unapologetically live as our authentic selves without having to explain it to the masses.
LGBTQ+ Youth can get help through:
- TrevorChat — 24/7/365 at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/#services
- TrevorLifeline — phone service available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386
- TrevorText — Text “START” to 678678. Available 24/7/365.
- TrevorSpace — online international peer-to-peer community for LGBTQ young people and their friends at https://www.trevorspace.org/
- Trevor Support Center — LGBTQ youth & allies can find answers to FAQs and explore resources at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/trevor-support-center/#sm.0000121hx9lvicotqs52mb1saenel
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