TL;DR
- Leigh Ryswyk is the first AFL player to come out as gay.
- He shared his journey on the radio program GayFL.
- Ryswyk emphasizes the importance of authenticity in sports.
- His family provided unwavering support during his coming out.
- He believes more players will come out in the future.
In a groundbreaking moment for Australian rules football, retired player Leigh Ryswyk has publicly come out as gay, becoming the first player in the Australian Football League (AFL) to do so. During a candid appearance on the radio program GayFL on March 25, Ryswyk revealed that while he has been open about his sexuality with close friends and family for years, this marks his first public acknowledgment. “I’m a private person,” he admitted, explaining his reluctance to make a broader announcement earlier. “The people closest to me have known, and that’s what mattered most.”
Ryswyk’s coming out is less about a dramatic reveal and more about sharing his truth when he felt ready. He recognizes that some listeners may be surprised, but he frames that as just another part of life. “Coming out isn’t a single event; it’s a process that takes time,” he explained. It took him several years to feel comfortable enough to share his sexuality with his family, a journey he describes as mentally complex, filled with anticipation and vulnerability.
Fortunately, his patience paid off. Ryswyk shared that his parents responded with love and support when he finally opened up to them, which he now considers a grounding part of his journey. His football career, which began with the Brisbane Lions in 2005, was marked by highs and lows, including injuries that led to his eventual retirement in 2018. Despite the challenges, Ryswyk’s contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the AFL Queensland Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy beyond this personal milestone.
Ryswyk’s announcement comes on the heels of other athletes like Mitch Brown, who came out as bisexual after retiring in 2024. Yet, the AFL still lacks an active player who has publicly identified as LGBTQ+. Ryswyk remains optimistic about the future, believing that the league and its community will support any player who chooses to come out. “I think the AFL and the community will support that player,” he said, highlighting the encouragement from both fans and the broader queer community.
His decision to speak publicly may not have the fanfare often associated with sports headlines, but its impact could be profound. By sharing his story in a measured and thoughtful manner, Ryswyk contributes to a growing movement of athletes who are reshaping expectations around masculinity and identity in professional sports. His message is clear: authenticity doesn’t need to be loud to matter, and sometimes, change begins with an individual deciding they’re ready to be known.
https://www.youtube.com/c/gayety