Ex-NBL Star AJ Ogilvy Announces He’s Gay Before Pride Round
AJ Ogilvy, a former player in the NBL, has made a significant announcement about his sexuality. During a heartfelt discussion with fellow basketball player Isaac Humphries, Ogilvy revealed that he is gay. This disclosure comes ahead of the NBL’s upcoming Pride Round.
A Journey of Self-Acceptance
Ogilvy enjoyed a notable 218-game career, playing for teams such as the Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks. He shared that maintaining two aspects of his life while playing basketball was challenging. “I was very lucky with my career, I got to travel the world and get paid to play basketball, which is such a privilege,” he stated. However, he recognized that he hadn’t always lived authentically during his sporting career.
Personal Relationships and Social Media
- Ogilvy has been married for nearly 18 months.
- He met his husband while playing in Sydney.
- To navigate his dual life, Ogilvy managed two separate social media accounts.
“For a long time, I believed that to be a basketballer, I had to present as straight,” he explained. “I wasn’t super discreet about it, but I kept my two lives pretty separate.”
Significance of Visibility in Sports
Humphries, who came out as gay in 2022 and plays for the Adelaide 36ers, praised Ogilvy’s decision as a vital step for the LGBTQI+ community in Australian sports. He noted, “That visibility and acceptance are really important, and it continues to move our great league forward.”
The Role of Pride Round
The NBL is set to celebrate Pride Round this weekend, marking a progressive step in inclusivity within sports. Both Ogilvy and Humphries believe this event fosters a more accepting environment for players and fans alike.
- Pride Round aims to promote inclusion across the sport.
- It provides a platform for dialogue and representation.
- Everyone involved—players, spectators, and supporters—are encouraged to join in the celebration.
“If people want to talk to someone, it gives them someone else to reach,” Ogilvy said. “Pride Round is for everyone.”
