Former Basketball Star AJ Ogilvy Embraces His True Self

AJ Ogilvy Comes Out: A Journey to Living Authentically

AJ Ogilvy, a retired Australian basketball player best known for his time with the Illawarra Hawks, has made the heartfelt decision to publicly embrace his identity as a gay man. Throughout his illustrious career, Ogilvy was celebrated for his prowess on the court, earning accolades such as three-time All-NBL First Team selection. However, there was a part of his life he kept private until recently.

In a candid conversation with Isaac Humphries, the National Basketball League's (NBL) only active openly gay player, Ogilvy shared his journey towards embracing his true self. The discussion, which was held in anticipation of the NBL's Pride Round, highlighted the importance of inclusion and diversity within the sport.

"I've been married for nearly 18 months now," Ogilvy revealed. "I met my husband during my time playing in Sydney, and he was with me throughout my career in Wollongong and part of my time back in Sydney."

Ogilvy admitted that during his playing days, he tried to keep his personal life separate from his professional one. "While I was in Sydney, I kept [my two lives] pretty separate, but I also wasn’t super discreet about it," he explained. "Some of the guys probably knew, but nothing was ever explicitly said."

Reflecting on his past, Ogilvy acknowledged, "I probably didn’t live my life as authentically as I probably could have during my time, especially in the NBL." He mentioned that he maintained two different social media accounts to manage his personal and professional personas. "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 confessed.

Ogilvy's story resonates with many in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly those in the sports world. "Growing up, there weren’t positive portrayals of gay relationships in basketball or media as a whole. It was more that it was going to be a sad, lonely life," he said. "That definitely weighed on me pretty heavily."

Isaac Humphries, who came out in 2022, praised Ogilvy's bravery in sharing his story. "Hugely beneficial to have someone of your stature and attitude be able to step forward and proudly say, ‘This is who you are’," Humphries remarked. Ogilvy's openness is seen as a significant step forward for the NBL and for basketball globally.

The Impact of Visibility and Acceptance

Humphries emphasized the positive impact of visibility in the sports community. "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," he stated. "That visibility and acceptance are really important, and it continues to move our great league forward."

The NBL’s Pride Round, now in its fourth season, is a testament to the league's commitment to inclusivity. Running from January 21 to February 1, the event showcases clubs' efforts to reflect their local communities and affirm that everyone has a place in basketball.

NBL CEO David Stevenson highlighted the league’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community. "The NBL is an organization committed to inclusion, acceptance, and support of the LGBTQ+ community," he stated. "Pride Round provides a visible moment in the season to recognize the diversity within our community, reinforce the importance of respect and inclusion across basketball, and continue meaningful education around what allyship looks like in action."

Ben Cork, national program manager at Pride in Sport, described the Pride Round as an incredible opportunity to unite communities and inspire individuals. "LGBTQ inclusion in sport not only enriches the overall experience for everyone involved, but also strengthens our communities and the broader sense of togetherness and acceptance across the country," he said. "Holding the NBL Pride Round is a powerful message to Australia that everyone is welcome in sport, fans and athletes alike, no matter who they are."

Ogilvy's decision to live authentically is a powerful reminder that embracing one's true self is not only liberating but also inspiring to others. His story, coupled with the NBL's ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity, serves as a beacon of hope and progress in the sports world and beyond.