Campbell Johnstone, a prop who played three Tests in 2005 including two against the British and Irish Lions, has become the first All Blacks rugby player to come out as gay.
Johnstone made the announcement on a New Zealand current affairs television program on Monday, saying he had been “living a lie” and leading “a double life” before acknowledging his sexuality.
“If I open up that door and magically make that closet disappear, then we’re going to help a lot of people,” said Johnstone, who also played 38 Super Rugby matches for the Christchurch-based Crusaders.
“I pushed that side of me down deeper and deeper. I went to some interesting places.”
“If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure and the stigma surrounding that whole issue, then it can actually help other people. We’ll know that there is one amongst the All Blacks.
“It would come to the surface when I may have had a bad game and I would look at that side of me and blame that side for it. It slowly starts to affect you and it’s hard living a double life or living a lie.
“And then there’s the other aspect that I’m maybe a little bit sad that we’re having to do this…but if I open up that door and kind of magically make that closet disappear then we’re going to help a lot of people.”
New Zealand Rugby quickly supported Johnstone’s decision to come out, praising him for “having the courage to share his story and helping create a more inclusive game”.
NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said Johnstone’s “strength and visibility will pave the way for others”.
“Rugby is a sport that is welcoming to everyone and a place where people should feel safe to be who they are. We want to be clear, no matter who you love rugby has your back,” he said in a statement.
New Zealand Sports Minister and former deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, who is gay, said Johnstone’s announcement was a “big moment” and thanked him for “blazing this trail”.
“Now with the All Blacks another barrier has been broken. I hope it inspires future generations to be open, happy and comfortable. There is still a long way to go, but this feels a very significant step,” he said on Instagram.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Racism , homophobic attitudes aren't acceptable we know the past attitudes were destructive and dangerous but at what point do we get to where Morgan Freeman hopes we do which is don't call me a black man I won't refer too you as a gay man.I hope it's soon because it's not really news anymore it's not illegal so what's the story.
AndyS
Guest
I suppose it gives a reality check on all the brave words about inclusion. I honestly would have thought the response by now would have been "so what/who cares", but apparently far from it. Makes you wonder what the reality might be here...
EggBeater
Guest
Yep, no longer any need for the “Here comes Johnno, Don’t drop the Soap!” Chants. Good on him for owning up :thumbup:
Jacko
Roar Rookie
To me most of us are there now. Media wants a story sadly.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
What great courage and this will help others to have the strength to realise the burden being lifted when speaking openly. Johnstone stand up and be proud mate, a very good player when he played and he carry’s the inspiration on for others to aspire to.
Charlie Turner
Guest
Yeah he did. Gary Jack was the first one to find out.
AndyS
Guest
Can't help wondering if the first step to it not being a big deal, is everyone not carrying on like it is some sort of big deal. The clear implication for mine would seem to be that years after he stopped playing it remains something surprising and clickworthy, and anyone else in the same position is still too scared to stick their heads out of the closet. I would have thought if he is the first AB to make any sort of public pronouncement, the reason was that no-one cared. Apparently they all still do, or everyone thinks they should.
ImperialWizard
Guest
Lots of priests were gay too. Doesn’t have to be limited to the military
Loosey
Roar Rookie
Ian Roberts (NRL) came out in 1995, nearly 30 years ago!
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Some of the greatest soldiers were gay . It had no relevance on their ability !
Ex force fan
Guest
Hope we get to the point where being gay is not an issue soon. Should be less important than the colour of your eyes.
Ex force fan
Guest
Is it him or us as society that must be blamed if it take someone 17 years to come out? Change is slow, but it is still change.
Double Agent
Guest
Someone's gay. Who cares?
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Shame he’s the only one with the courage to stand up Why is it courageous to come out and why should every gay person announce it publicly? Maybe other gay players have zero interest in publicly announcing their sexual preferences.
jameswm
Roar Guru
My 18yo son said "so, the first ever gay All Black" (tongue in cheek). They are switched on these days. Shame he's the only one with the courage to stand up, but maybe others have privately but it hasn't been news. And I'm not having a go at the ABs - other teams, other rugby codes too. Good on Rugby NZ for their immediate support.
Highlander
Roar Guru
Good man Campbell Even in today's more tolerant environment, that took some courage.
mrl
Roar Rookie
He’s so brave it took him 17 years!! Better late then never..,surely there will come a day when this is not news…just acceptance.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Brave bastard. Good on him. Nothing but admiration for the man
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Campbell Johnstone a Champion on and off the field.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
>New Zealand Rugby quickly supported Johnstone’s decision to come out, praising him Good. And good on Campbell Johnstone. An example of courage and strength.