CNN
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Former New Zealand rugby player Campbell Johnstone became the first All Black to come out publicly as gay, in an interview with TVNZ’s Seven Sharp on Monday.
Johnstone – who played three Test matches for New Zealand, including two against the British and Irish Lions in 2005 – said he told his friends and family “a long time ago” before making the announcement on the show.
“If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure and stigma surrounding the issue it can actually help other people,” Johnstone said.
“Then the public will know that there is one in amongst the All Blacks … and it could be one of the final pieces in the puzzle sports-wise that gives everyone closure,” the former Canterbury and Crusaders player added.
Responding to the announcement, New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson praised…
2023-01-30 17:00:04 Former New Zealand rugby player Campbell Johnstone becomes first All Black to come out as gay
Article from www.cnn.com Today marks a significant moment in the history of New Zealand rugby, with former All Black Campbell Johnstone now proudly announcing he is gay.
Johnstone, who spent ten years playing professional rugby for the All Blacks, announced his sexuality in a candid post on social media.
“Being an All Black naturally brings a lot of attention and I understand that in doing this I will receive a lot of interest. This is something I’m incredibly proud of and happy to share,” Johnstone wrote.
His announcement makes him the first ever All Black to come out as gay.
Johnstone’s post touches on just how difficult it can be to be true to oneself.
“It’s taken me all my life to be comfortable to say it, but here it is: I’m gay,” he wrote.
Johnstone went on to explain how the support of his friends and family, and especially that of his former teammates, has helped him realize that “love is love” and be truly comfortable with himself.
He also noted that he expected to receive some backlash for publicly announcing his sexuality but is hopeful that it will encourage other LGBTQ+ people to come out and be proud of who they are.
“As someone who played rugby, I know how hard it can be sometimes to express yourself. But I hope this announcement can help make it easier for those who are going through the same feelings as me,” he said.
Johnstone’s announcement has been met with overwhelming support, both from within New Zealand’s sporting community and internationally.
It will no doubt inspire more athletes and individuals to be comfortable with their sexuality and open up about their own lives.
With Johnstone now bravely leading the way, New Zealand’s sporting history has been marked with a pioneering moment.
The All Blacks now have a poster boy for an increasingly accepting and diverse future for queer men and women, in rugby and society.
