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There is currently only one gay man actively playing in a professional, top-tier basketball league anywhere in the world. And today, we had the enormous privilege of welcoming him into the studio.

Demonstrating Olympic-level vulnerability, Isaac Humphries made global headlines in 2022 when he came out as gay to his basketball teammates.

However, as Hugh, Ryan and Josh learn in this chat, this moment was the result of a lifetime of chaos, confusion, darkness, and ultimately, courage.

In this episode, Isaac talks through his horrific experience of childhood bullying, and how basketball became both a sanctuary and a space of secrecy. For Isaac, he never imagined a world where he could keep his career and live authentically as his whole self.

An incredible journey, which includes a Beyonce-esque move of dropping his last name for a time, Isaac describes to Hugh, Ryan and Josh what it felt like to come out to his mum, live as an openly gay man for the first time, and finally, come out to the world.

Finding light in the darkest of times, Josh and Isaac discuss the importance of purpose, which prompts Hugh to reflect on how this episode is the epitome of The Imperfects: how vulnerability leads to authentic connection.

Isaac, we love you.

If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube (and see Hugh’s model shot), click here - https://bit.ly/43YQXpc 

🫖 Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

• Janelle Booker - Living With ADHD - https://bit.ly/42GsmEJ
• Hugh’s Open Letter to Parents of Neurodivergent People - https://apple.co/4l4kw0m

📺 Things to watch

• Isaac’s Coming Out video - https://bit.ly/3HxvR9O

🎧 Things to listen to

• Isaac’s music, including the song Be Alright - https://spoti.fi/4mTSGol

📖 Things to read

• The Velvet Rage, by Alan Downs - https://bit.ly/43XZ3hH

🏳️‍🌈For some great educational resources, head to Pride in Sport - www.prideinsport.com.au/resources

🚨If you, or someone you know, is struggling, these are a few great resources

• QLife - provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people over 18 wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. 1800 184 527, www.qlife.org.au
• Minus 18 - Through a preventative model of mental health support, Minus 18 tackle social isolation by creating fun-filled spaces where LGBTQIA+ people under 18 feel they belong and are celebrated www.minus18.org.au
• Lifeline - 13 11 14, www.lifeline.org.au

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🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

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The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

 

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