Historic Humphries Helping put WorldPride on World Stage

Isaac Humphries has yet again made history this week. When he took to the floor for the Australian Boomers against Bahrain, he became the first openly gay male athlete to represent his country in basketball.

Humphries was dominant against the nation currently sitting bottom of the qualifying group. He scored 18 points on eight-of-ten shooting, to go with six rebounds. 

The 25-year-old made headlines around the world earlier this season, after releasing a powerful video in which he came out as gay to his Melbourne United teammates. The basketball community rallied around the former NBA centre in incredible fashion. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/YTMc5bzLKc">pic.twitter.com/YTMc5bzLKc</a></p>&mdash; Isaac Humphries (@IsaacHumphries7) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsaacHumphries7/status/1592644869121404928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

With the WorldPride 2023 event having kicked off in Sydney on February 17 – and running until March 5 – Humphries says he’s proud to once again be bringing the issue of inclusion to the forefront. 

“To be the only [male] basketballer to represent their country in basketball in the world while WorldPride is going on at the same time – that’s really important to me,” Humphries told NBL Media. “The fact I can play for my country while up the road is one of the biggest pride celebrations ever, it’s huge.

“I’ve been amongst it (WorldPride) and seen the things they’re doing. The changes they’re trying to make in the community and the celebrations they’re trying to achieve, it’s awesome.

“Now we get to celebrate it within sport and Australian basketball specifically. I’m really honoured and grateful to be that person right now. I hope more come through ... I said to the boys earlier 'I hope it doesn’t always have to be about being gay and being the first of this – it can just be about your game eventually'.

“Until then I’m really honoured to be that person for everyone.”

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Thursday’s clash against Bahrain acted as Humphries’ first appearance in a Boomers uniform since 2019 – as injuries have restricted his ability to pull on the green and gold.

With the two FIBA World Cup Qualifiers being played in Melbourne, the centre says he’s planning on flying up to Sydney to be a part WorldPride’s walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

“That bridge walk is going to be full of anyone and everyone and it’s going to be iconic to be a part of,” he said.

“I think a lot of people who aren’t in our community forget just how big our community is. It’s not just gay and lesbian people, there are so many different umbrellas of people that are coming together in all of this – even straight people as allies.

“One of the most iconic structures in the world and this strong, united community is going to walk over there and make its mark on the world.

“I’m excited to be a part of that.”

After defeating Bahrain by 32 points on Thursday night, Humphries and the Boomers take on Kazakhstan on Sunday at 3pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo Sports.