Former NBL star AJ Ogilvy comes out as gay
Former National Basketball League (NBL) star AJ Ogilvy has publicly come out as gay, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in Australian sport. His announcement was made during a candid one‑to‑one interview with Adelaide 36ers player Isaac Humphries, released ahead of the league’s Pride Round.
Ogilvy, who enjoyed a 12‑year professional career that spanned Australia, Europe and the United States, reflected on the tension he felt between his public sporting persona and his private life. Known widely as “AJ”, the 37‑year‑old revealed that he had been married to his husband for nearly 18 months, having met him while playing for the Sydney Kings. He explained that although some teammates were aware of their relationship, he never felt fully comfortable coming out while actively playing.
During the interview, Ogilvy described the emotional weight of leading what he called “two lives”, maintaining separate social media accounts to keep his personal identity hidden from the public eye. “For a long time, I believed that to be a basketballer, I had to present as straight and not show this side of my personality,” he said, acknowledging the lack of positive LGBTQ+ representation in basketball during his formative years.
The former Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings centre also highlighted the generational shift that helped him take this final step, noting that Australia’s marriage equality vote in 2017 and growing acceptance in sport influenced his decision. Crucially, he pointed to Humphries’ own historic coming‑out moment in 2022 as a catalyst, calling it “hugely beneficial” and a source of inspiration.
Reflecting on the significance of the NBL’s Pride Round, Ogilvy said the initiative helped create the environment he needed to speak openly. “There’s now a place for us to have this conversation, for us to be able to talk as openly as this,” he said. “If people want to talk to someone, ask opinions, ask questions, it gives them someone else to reach.”
Humphries, who remains the league’s only active openly gay male player, praised Ogilvy’s decision. He emphasised the importance of visibility in sport and the positive impact it can have on players, fans and the wider LGBTQ+ community.
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