Leigh Ryswyk becomes first AFL player to publicly come out as gay

Consensus Summary

Leigh Ryswyk, a former Brisbane Lions player, made history in 2024 as the first past or present AFL player to publicly come out as gay during an interview on Joy 94.9’s GayFL program. His announcement followed Mitch Brown’s 2023 revelation as the AFL’s first openly bisexual player, signaling ongoing progress for LGBTQI+ visibility in Australian football. Ryswyk played just one AFL match in 2005—a 39-point win against Fremantle—before suffering a quad injury and being delisted, later building a successful 226-game career with North Adelaide in the SANFL. His closest friends had known about his sexuality for five years, but he chose to come out publicly when ready, citing overwhelming support from fans, clubs, and the broader community. Both the Brisbane Lions and North Adelaide released statements praising his courage and reaffirming their commitment to inclusivity. Ryswyk emphasized that while clubs and the AFL community are supportive, societal attitudes—particularly from fans—remain a barrier for other athletes. His story highlights ongoing efforts to foster safer environments for LGBTQ+ individuals in sports.