‘If you are not ready to fly the flag for the whole community, then it is just not time yet’

Openly gay basketballer Isaac Humphries says pressure “to fly the flag for the whole community” when they’re not ready to do so, may be among reasons AFL players hesitate to reveal their sexuality.

Gay basketballer Isaac Humphries says he understands why no AFL player has come out.

Humphries created worldwide headlines when he courageously declared his sexuality while playing at the highest level in Australia.

The Adelaide 36ers NBL star said the pressure of being the first AFL gay footballer would be a huge weight to carry.

Humphries at the Australian Grand Prix. Picture: Supplied

Humphries who has recently re-signed for three years with the 36ers. Picture: Mark Brake

“I don’t know if it is specific to what code versus how hard it is,” Humphries said.

“But I believe it is a really personal journey and everyone’s situation and timeline is very different.

“This is my journey and my situation.

“I was prepared, I had done a lot of work on myself to be able to handle this so publicly. Someone else might not be ready for that,” Humphries said from the exclusive Marriott Bonvoy lounge where he was rubbing shoulders as his role as Ralph Lauren Fragrances ambassador.

Humphries of the 36ers during the round 19 NBL match between Brisbane Bullets and Adelaide 36ers at Nissan Arena, on February 9, 2024, in Brisbane. Picture: Getty

Humphries warms up before the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifying match between Australia Boomers and Korea. Picture: Getty

“It is a lot of pressure, it’s a lot of weight on your shoulders and if you are not ready to fly the flag for the whole community, then it is just not time yet.

“They also might not be in an environment when they feel comfortable doing so. They might not have come out to family and friends.

“It is so easy to say why hasn’t anyone come out yet. There are a lot of whys.”

Humphries said he hoped he can be a positive example of how being a gay professional sportsman can work out.

“Something I’ve learnt from being in this community is everyone’s situation is so different and we just have to let them work it out on their own,” he said.

“But I hope I can be a positive example as to how it can go.

“Because until now people didn’t know how it could go, again when you are the first doing something you don’t know how it is going to go.

“But I hope myself and (soccer player) Josh Cavello, there are players in other codes that have done it and done it quite successfully.

“But of course it’s something I hope for just because the more visibility and presence we have in sport changes the world.”