Ogilvy’s pride shines through

On the eve of the fourth NBL Pride Round, 218-game veteran AJ Ogilvy has sat down for a powerful conversation with Adelaide 36ers star, Isaac Humphries, to discuss his career and life.

The former Sydney King and Illawarra Hawk opened up to Humphries, who became the NBL’s first openly gay player in 2022, and spoke about the difference in their careers.

"I was very lucky with my career, I got to travel the world and get paid to play basketball, which is such a privilege," Ogilvy said.

"But I probably didn't live my life as authentically as I probably could have during my time, especially in the NBL.

"I've been married for nearly 18 months now. I met my husband when I was playing in Sydney, so I was with him for all my time in Wollongong and part of the time in Sydney.

"While I was in Sydney, I kept [my two lives] pretty separate, but I also wasn't super discreet about it. Some of the guys probably knew, but nothing was ever explicitly said, especially at your level of openness.

"While I was in Wollongong, definitely more of the guys got to know him [husband]. A couple of the guys, my old teammates, were at the wedding. There was a level of recognition and knowledge around it, but just not openness."

Ogilvy believed his private life was "just his business".

"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 explained.

“So I had two social media accounts, one I'd use for my basketball stuff and one I just had tight friends on, where I would be more open.

“Growing up, it [positive portrayals in gay relationships] wasn't in basketball or media as a whole. It was more than it was going to be a sad, lonely life. That definitely weighed on me pretty heavily.

“I can only imagine how freeing it was for you [Humphries] to be able to unshackle yourself [from those feelings].”

When the marriage equality laws changed, and Humphries made a brave decision to share his story openly, Ogilvy saw a shift.

"I was very vocal about that [gay marriage] while still not publicly saying "I'm a gay man". I just didn't have the personality that you have. I don't think I could have carried it the way that you do," Ogilvy said.

"It’s hugely beneficial to have someone of your stature and attitude be able to step forward and proudly say who you are.”

For Humphries, that was a giant leap of faith.

“It was such a double-edged sword, and once I was able to come out and prove that you can, it was such a nice, fulfilling experience to go through," he said.

“Then to be playing in Australia, my home country, and in a league that has a Pride Round and celebrates everything, is very positive [and beneficial].

“We've got a player who plays every weekend, who is openly gay and an ex-player now, who's openly gay and married, who's prepared to talk about this life and these situations.

“That visibility and acceptance are really important, and it continues to move our great league forward.”

Two-time NBL champion, Trevor Torrance,  publicly came out as gay in 2023. He played 10 seasons with the Perth Wildcats from 1986-96 and won two championships, but said he suffered many "dark days" and anxiety during his career.

Perth, New Zealand, South East Melbourne, and Tasmania will celebrate at home games in Round 18, Sydney, Cairns, Adelaide and Illawarra in Round 19, and Melbourne and Brisbane in Round 20.