Former Brisbane Lions player Leigh Ryswyk has become the AFL’s first openly gay player after revealing his sexuality on radio.
The history-making announcement was made on Melbourne radio station Joy 94.9’s GayFL program on Wednesday as Ryswyk told the hosts his friends had known he was gay for five years.
He is the second AFL player to come out as a member of the LGBTIQA community after ex-West Coast Eagles star Mitch Brown revealed he is bisexual in August last year.
‘To people who know me, my closest friends, this is not new. I’ve been out for five years now,’ Ryswyk told the radio program.
‘There will be people, though, if they do listen to this, it will be the first time they know about this.
‘I’m a very private person, so it’s not all over my social media and things like that.
Former Brisbane Lions player Leigh Ryswyk (pictured) has made AFL history by becoming the first player past or present to come out as gay
Ryswyk (pictured) said, ‘For a long time, I kept a big part of who I am to myself’
‘It can be a bit of a shock to some people, they might not know, but that’s life, right?
‘In the end, the people who are nearest and closest to me know, and that’s what’s most important.’
When he was asked why he has chosen to come out now, the footballer said, ‘Why not?’
In a later Instagram post, Ryswyk went into more detail about his struggle to open up.
‘For a long time, I kept a big part of who I am to myself,’ he wrote.
‘Opening up hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly freeing. Footy has given me so much and I want to help make sure it’s a space where everyone feels safe to be themselves.
‘If sharing my journey helps break down barriers, start conversations, or lets someone know they’re not alone, then that means everything to me.
‘I’m proud of who I am, proud to be part of this game and hopeful for what’s ahead.
After his time with the Lions, Ryswyk (circled) went on to play more than 200 matches for North Adelaide in the SANFL, helping the team win the premiership in 2018
Former West Coast star Mitch Brown, who came out as bisexual in August last year, hailed Ryswyk’s bravery after the announcement
Originally from Victoria, Ryswyk played one match for the Lions in 2005.
He went on to play 226 games for North Adelaide in the SANFL from 2006, helping them to the premiership in 2018 before retiring.
Ryswyk has also been inducted into the AFL Queensland Football Hall of Fame.
Brown congratulated Ryswyk in a post on Instagram shortly after the news broke.
‘My deepest respect and congratulations to Leigh for sharing this part of himself with the world tonight. What an absolute legend!’ Brown wrote.
‘It takes real courage to step forward and choose to live openly and honestly, especially when you come from environments that haven’t always made that easy.
‘This is what bravery looks like.’
