Former New Zealand rugby union star Campbell Johnstone said Tuesday he is "overwhelmed and honoured" by the support he has received after becoming the first national team player to come out as gay.
Johnstone, who defended the All Blacks shirt in 2005, spoke openly about his sexuality in an interview on Monday with TVNZ's Seven Sharp, with the aim of "removing pressure and stigma" around the matter. and so "help other people." "If I can be the first All Black to come out and remove the pressure and stigma around it, I can actually help other people," Johnstone said.
Since then, he has received a stream of "really touching messages from parents saying it's so great to see someone come out and be a gay All Black" and that they "mean that their children, who are possibly struggling or have been struggling, They have a role model and the assurance that their sexuality does not matter," he told the local Stuff newspaper on Tuesday.
“Not in my wildest imagination did I think it would be that far-reaching. It's a real sign of how powerful the All Blacks and New Zealand brand is around the world," he added of his interview going viral in a matter of hours, generating a wave of support from players, personalities and entities within and out of the world of rugby.
Following the former player's remarks, New Zealand national team manager Mark Robinson sent Johnstone "much love and support" for his "courage" in sharing his story and thus creating a "more inclusive" sport.
"Your strength and visibility will help lead the way for others in our game," he said in a message posted on Twitter, adding that rugby is "a sport that welcomes all and a space where people should feel safe to be who are they". "We know that some people have not always been comfortable being who they are in rugby. We want to be clear, no matter who you love, rugby has your back," added Robinson.
Johnstone spoke in the interview about how he lived for years "a double life" and "a lie" in an attempt to portray what he believed to be the stereotypes of a rugby player, as he admitted that he himself was never "really comfortable with everything the concept" and his dream "was to be an All Blacks." "Manly, strong, possibly with a wife and children. I pushed that side of myself to the fullest, but it's hard to live a double life, or live a lie," he stressed.
With his decision to speak openly about his sexuality, the former player also hopes to "open the door for anyone who has difficulties in this space."
The All Blacks and World Rugby, the federation that governs the sport around the world, also expressed their support for the New Zealander, as well as the former deputy prime minister of the country Grant Robertson, who described the interview as a "great moment" that "has broken barriers ". "Many thanks to Campbell Johnstone for paving the way. It's important to create an inclusive environment in sport at all levels, and that starts at the top," he said on his Instagram account.
