Leigh Ryswyk Becomes First Past or Present Male AFL Player to Publicly Identify as Gay
Former Brisbane Lions player Leigh Ryswyk has publicly identified as gay, becoming the first past or present male Australian Football League (AFL) player to do so. Ryswyk made the announcement during an interview on the GayFL radio program, broadcast on JOY 94.9. His disclosure follows former West Coast Eagles player Mitch Brown, who publicly identified as bisexual last year, becoming the first male to play at AFL level to publicly disclose being gay or bisexual.
Announcement Details
Ryswyk, 41, shared his announcement on Wednesday on the GayFL show on LGBTQIA+ broadcaster JOY 94.9. He stated that his closest friends had been aware of his sexual orientation for approximately five years, noting that his private nature meant the public announcement would be the first time many others learned of it. Ryswyk described the public response to his announcement as overwhelmingly supportive.
Personal Perspective and Hopes for the Future
Ryswyk discussed the reactions of his parents, describing them as positive. He recounted his mother expressing her continued love and his father stating, "I love you, it doesn't matter, as long as you're happy I'm happy for you."
He expressed a belief that any active AFL player who comes out in the future would receive substantial support from both the league and the wider community. Ryswyk also hoped his story would encourage other athletes to "be themselves." When asked if he could have come out during his AFL career, Ryswyk indicated he was not ready at that time, stating:
"When I was ready, I was ready and that's now."
He also commented on the need for the environment to change and for education to continue, starting at younger levels, to ensure a safe feeling for everyone, referencing potential crowd behavior as a deterrent for some players.
Career Overview: From AFL Debut to SANFL Success
Ryswyk played one AFL match for the Brisbane Lions in 2005, which was in Round 11 against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval. The Lions won the game by 39 points, and Ryswyk recorded four disposals. He was delisted by the Lions at the end of the 2005 season following a quad injury.
Following his time with the Lions, Ryswyk had a career in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL), playing 226 games for North Adelaide. He also represented South Australia four times. In his final game in 2018, he won his first career premiership in the reserves grand final. Ryswyk has been inducted into the AFL Queensland Football Hall of Fame and is a life member of the North Adelaide Football Club.
Widespread Support from Football Organizations
Several football figures and organizations issued statements in response to Ryswyk's announcement:
- AFL CEO Andrew Dillon expressed hope that Ryswyk's story would encourage others in the sport to feel "backed and supported for who they are." Dillon stated:
"We want everyone in our game to feel they can be their authentic selves and to know they will be backed and supported for who they are."
- Brisbane Lions Chief Executive Sam Graham stated, "It is great to see Leigh share his story and journey publicly. We want our game to be an inclusive environment for everyone... As a club, we hope this has a positive impact across football and society more broadly."
- North Adelaide Football Club affirmed its commitment to fostering "an inclusive environment where players, staff, members and supporters from all communities feel safe, respected, and free to be themselves."
- Darcy Moore, President of the AFL Players’ Association, noted that players are collaborating with the AFL to enhance inclusivity within the sport for all participants and fans.
- Hayley Conway, Chief Executive of Pride Cup, highlighted the significance of Ryswyk's disclosure for the sport and the LGBTQI community, noting that such announcements contribute to establishing new standards for community, AFL, and club responses regarding inclusivity.