Isaac Humphries praised for ‘candid’ coming out: ‘you will save lives’
The basketball player is being applauded for his inspirational coming out.
With his coming out announcement, Isaac Humphries became the only openly gay man playing at the top levels of basketball.
The 24-year-old Australian shared “I’m gay” in an interview with CNN where he explained he’s at a point he believes: “I can be who I am in my environment and I can change the trajectory of how we view being gay in sport and be a role model for anybody.”
Following Humphries coming out, many online flooded his comments and replies with heartfelt support, celebration, and meaningful sentiments of the inspiration he will bring to fans and players.
In a video, Humphries comes out to his teammates, coaches, and colleagues and shares his intentions to come out publicly, it’s a beautiful and emotional moment met with encouraging support from his fellow athletes.
“We as professional athletes have a responsibility to set examples for people,” Isaac says in the video. “The truth is that there are so many people in other worlds that are struggling every single day and don’t know how to get up… I know how that feels, and I want to represent those people.”
His team, Melbourne United, wrote of Isaac’s “tremendous courage” in coming out adding, “As an organisation we are very proud of Isaac and look forward to supporting him through this next step in his journey.”
“What a gorgeous, candid, authentic vid. Such a change from the blokey bad behaviour of many other professional sportsmen that so often makes headlines,” one tweet reads.
“Go [Isaac Humphries]! You’ll help and inspire a lot of kids with this. Hope you find the warmth & acceptance you deserve.”
Many messages of encouragement also emphasised the importance of coming out in your own time, when it feels right for the person.
One tweet adds the coming out journey is “deeply personal – and one which needs to be done and negotiated on the individuals [sic] terms. If we can use these stories to help young people who are struggling + navigating their own journey’s – it will help future generations”
Another shared: “Remember: you have the right to live and to decide if you wanna come out; now, later or never; and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You’re unique.”
“One of the bravest Wildcats to ever wear the blue and white,” another shared in praise of Humphries.
“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!” reads another tweet sharing the love for the athlete.