FORMER ALL BLACK FIRST TO COME OUT AS GAY
Campbell Johnstone
Photo: Hannah Johnston
Campbell Johnstone has officially announced that he is gay, making him the first All Black player to come out publicly.
According to reports online , the 43-year-old hopes that publicly announcing his sexuality after years can help other rugby players remove the stereotype of being gay.
“If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and takes away the pressure and stigma surrounding the issue it can actually help other people,” he told Seven Sharp during an episode on Monday this
week.
“If I open up that door and magically make that closet disappear, then we’re going to help a lot of people.I pushed that side of me down deeper and deeper. I went to some interesting places.”he added.
Signs of support throughout New Zealand, including New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Officer Mark Robinson “Your strength and visibility will pave the way for others in our game,” Robinson wrote in a
statement.
“Rugby’s a sport that is welcoming to everyone and a place where people should feel safe to be who they are" the CEO further added.
Johnstone who's debut against Fiji and played two tests against the British and Irish Lions. He also made 62 appearances for Canterbury and 38 for the Crusaders during his career as a professional rugby player.
New Zealand Sports Minister and former deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, who is gay, thanked Johnstone for "blazing this trail" and said his announcement was "a big moment".