In an interview with the Seven Sharp program, campbell johnstone, member of the All Blacks in 2005, spoke openly about his sexuality with the aim of “eliminating pressure and stigma” on the matter and thus “helping other people”.
“If I can be the first All Black to come out as gay and remove the pressure and stigma surrounding the issue, I can actually help other people.Johnstone said.
Johnstone’s double life
Johnstone recounted in the note how they spent 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 he was never “really comfortable with the whole concept” and his dream “was to be an All Blacks”.
“Manly, strong, possibly with a wife and children. I pushed that side of me deeper and deeper. I’ve been in some interesting places with that (…) It’s hard to live a double life, or live a lie,” he said.
With his decision to speak openly about his sexuality, the former player also trusts “open the door to anyone who is struggling in this space.”
The messages of support Johnstone received
In a matter of hours, the interview went viral and the athlete received a large number of messages of support. Faced with this situation, Jahnstone declared: “Not in my wildest imagination did I think it would be so far-reaching. It’s a real sign of how powerful the All Blacks and New Zealand brand is around the world.“.
Following the statements by the former player, the director of the New Zealand national team, robinson mark, He sent Johnstone “lots of love and support” for his “courage” in sharing his story in creating a “more inclusive” sport.
“Your strength and 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 they are.”
besides, The All Blacks and World Rugby, federation that governs this sport worldwide, expressed their support for the New Zealand expilaras well as the former deputy prime minister of the country Grant Robertson, who called the interview a “great moment” that “has broken barriers”
