The Australian Football League (AFL) has reached a significant milestone in its 129-year history with former Brisbane Lions player Leigh Ryswyk becoming the first man in the sport to publicly come out as gay. Ryswyk, who played one professional match for the Lions in 2005 before being delisted due to injuries, revealed his sexuality during an emotional interview on Melbourne’s Joy 94.9 radio station.
The 41-year-old athlete, who went on to play more than 220 games for North Adelaide in the South Australian league, shared that he has been openly gay within his personal circle for five years. His disclosure to family members proved particularly moving, with both parents offering immediate and unconditional support. “When I told my mother, we both cried,” Ryswyk recounted. “She said ‘I still love you’ – that was a wow moment for me.”
This landmark announcement comes just seven months after former West Coast Eagles player Mitch Brown became the first AFL athlete to come out as bisexual. Prior to these developments, the AFL held the unfortunate distinction of being the only major professional men’s sport worldwide without any openly gay or bisexual players, even among retired athletes.
Ryswyk expressed strong optimism about the AFL’s readiness to support current players who might consider coming out. “I believe the AFL and the broader community will wrap their arms around that player,” he stated during the GayFL programme. “The queer community and fan base will celebrate that when the time comes.”
The former footballer, originally from Victoria, acknowledged the personal challenges he faced before his public revelation. Despite being open with close friends, Ryswyk described himself as a private person who took approximately three years to gather the courage to inform his parents. His father’s reaction proved equally supportive, telling him: “I love you, it doesn’t matter, as long as you’re happy I’m happy for you.”
Ryswyk’s career achievements include his induction into the AFL Queensland Hall of Fame following his successful tenure with North Adelaide. His courageous decision follows Brown’s August revelation that concealing his sexuality contributed significantly to his retirement decision, highlighting the ongoing challenges LGBTQ+ athletes face in professional sports.