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Former AFL Player Leigh Ryswyk Comes Out as Gay

3/26/2026

30 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Leigh Ryswyk, a former Brisbane Lions player, came out as gay, becoming the first male AFL player to do so.
In a Joy 94.9 interview, he stated his close friends had known for five years.
AFL Executive Andrew Dillon and Lions Executive Sam Graham praised his courage.
He acknowledged external pressures from fans and media can be daunting.
Ryswyk had a successful SANFL career after a brief AFL stint.

History

Historical Context

In 2013, Jason Collins publicly came out as gay, becoming the first active male athlete in North America's major professional sports leagues. His announcement marked a significant cultural shift, supported by figures like NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and President Barack Obama. This trend of increasing acceptance continued with Leigh Ryswyk's recent coming out in the AFL, reflecting broader societal changes towards LGBTQ+ inclusivity in sports.

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Story summary

Leigh Ryswyk, a former Brisbane Lions player, came out as gay, becoming the first male AFL player to do so.
In a Joy 94.9 interview, he stated his close friends had known for five years.
AFL Executive Andrew Dillon and Lions Executive Sam Graham praised his courage.
He acknowledged external pressures from fans and media can be daunting.
Ryswyk had a successful SANFL career after a brief AFL stint.

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