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 by becoming the first openly gay AFL player, past or present, after coming out during an interview on Joy 94.9’s GayFL program. Ryswyk played just one AFL match in 2005 before being delisted, later building a successful career with North Adelaide in the SANFL, where he appeared in 226 games. His announcement followed Mitch Brown’s 2023 revelation as the AFL’s first openly bisexual player, signaling progress toward greater inclusivity in the sport. Ryswyk’s closest friends had known about his sexuality for years, but he chose to go public when he felt ready, emphasizing the importance of support from clubs like North Adelaide and the Brisbane Lions, which both issued statements backing his decision. While reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, Ryswyk acknowledged lingering challenges, particularly from fans and media, that may deter other queer athletes from coming out. His story has sparked broader conversations about LGBTQI visibility in sports and the need for cultural change at all levels.