PART IV: MOVING FORWARD

As the Adelaide 36ers prepare to host their first NBL Pride Round game this Saturday against Cairns Taipans, Isaac Humphries sat down to chat about how his life has changed since making the decision to tell the world he was gay.

PART IV: MOVING FORWARD
After over 12 months as a proud, gay man, Humphries said the opportunities both on and off the court for him are endless.

“I’m very passionate about a lot of things, basketball is a huge passion of mine, I love it so much,” Humphries said.

“But when I can’t play anymore, I want to have put a lot of groundwork in so I can continue working in other fields.”

Humphries has made a huge impact off the court this year, becoming an ambassador for RUOK Day and the Fringe festival.

“I’m going to keep advocating for what I believe in,” Humphries said.

“We are trying to create a space where I can just be really visible for everybody.

“Every avenue of life, whether that’s sport, or music or reading, we have plans for it all.”

Humphries also has a show at the Fringe Festival in March and released a Christmas album last month.

“There is always something going on, there is so much stuff happening all the time,” Humphries said.

SAME GAME, SAME PLAYER
The 26-year-old said the game of basketball hasn’t changed for him since his decision last November.

Humphries has enjoyed one of his best NBL seasons since returning to the 36ers for NBL24, currently averaging 15.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

“It’s not like I play any different,” Humphries said.

“It’s not that basketball is easier because of (my decision).

READ MORE

• PROUD JOURNEY: PART I - THE DECISION
• PROUD JOURNEY: PART II - THOUGHT PROCESS
• PROUD JOURNEY: PART III - THE RETURN

“But there is a definite subconscious weight off my shoulders.

“There is an easiness to living now.”

Humphries said the pressure release of the decision hasn’t made him a better player but has given him a different approach to the game.

‘I don’t feel that aggressively pent up because I don’t have anything to hide anymore,” Humphries said.

“As a player in the closet you continue to think ‘is that gay?’ or ‘was that too gay?’ or ‘is anyone talking about that?’.

“And now, I just don’t care, if it is, then whatever if it’s not, whatever too.

“There’s a lot less awareness in that space.”