Retired Australian rules footballer Leigh Ryswyk has publicly come out as gay, becoming the first player connected to the Australian Football League to do so.
Ryswyk shared the news during a March 25 appearance on the radio program GayFL, revealing that while he’s been open with those closest to him for years, this marks the first time many outside his inner circle are hearing it.
“I’m a private person,” he said, explaining why he hadn’t made a broader announcement earlier. “The people closest to me have known, and that’s what mattered most.”
A Personal Decision, Shared on His Own Terms
The former pro described the moment as less about a grand reveal and more about speaking honestly when the time felt right. He acknowledged that some listeners may be surprised but framed that as part of life.
Coming out, he added, wasn’t a single event but a process that took time. Ryswyk said it took several years before he felt fully comfortable sharing his sexuality with family. He described the experience as mentally complex, noting the mix of anticipation and vulnerability that often comes with those conversations.
That patience paid off. According to Ryswyk, both of his parents responded with support when he told them, something he now views as a grounding part of his journey.
A Career That Spanned the AFL System
Ryswyk’s football career began with the Brisbane Lions in 2005. After a quadriceps injury led to his departure from the senior list, he continued playing at a high level in the South Australian National Football League, where he logged more than 200 games.
He eventually retired in 2018 following a rib injury. His contributions to the sport were later recognized with induction into the AFL Queensland Football Hall of Fame, cementing his place in the game’s history beyond this personal milestone.
Visibility Still Evolving in the AFL
Ryswyk’s announcement follows that of Mitch Brown, who came out as bisexual after retiring in 2024. Despite those steps forward, no active AFL player has publicly identified as LGBTQ+.
Still, Ryswyk believes that moment is coming, and that the response will be positive when it does.
“I think the AFL and the community will support that player,” he said, pointing to both fans and the broader queer community as sources of encouragement. He added that such a moment would likely be met with celebration rather than resistance.
A Quiet First That Could Open Doors
Ryswyk’s decision to speak publicly may not come with the spectacle often attached to sports headlines, but its impact could be lasting. By sharing his story in a measured way, he adds to a growing list of athletes reshaping expectations around masculinity and identity in professional sports.
For now, his message is simple: authenticity doesn’t need to be loud to matter. And sometimes, change begins with someone deciding they’re ready to be known.
