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Leigh Ryswyk: Former AFL Player Becomes First to Come Out as Gay
Leigh Ryswyk revealed his sexuality after being out to friends for five years, making historic progress for LGBTQI representation in Australian Football League, following Mitch Brown’s bisexual announcement.
- On Wednesday, former Brisbane Lions player Leigh Ryswyk became the first past or present AFL player to come out as gay, announcing the news during an interview on JOY 94.9's GayFL.
- Ryswyk played one AFL game for the Lions in 2005 before relocating to South Australia, where he compiled 226 games for the North Adelaide Football Club and won the 2018 premiership.
- His decision follows former West Coast defender Mitch Brown, who revealed he was bisexual in late 2025, making Ryswyk the second former AFL player to publicly come out.
- Ryswyk described coming out to his family as a "massive experience," saying his father's reaction "blew me away" after spending three years mentally preparing to share his truth.
- Regarding future athletes coming out, Ryswyk believes the AFL and community "will wrap their arms around that player," expressing confidence the queer community and fans will celebrate such a moment.
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24 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources24
Leaning Left7Leaning Right4Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 21%
R 29%
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