Former New Zealand Rugby Player Campbell Johnstone Comes Out As Gay

A former New Zealand rugby player has just come out as gay, becoming the first All Black to publicly do so.

Campbell Johnstone played in three international matches for the All Blacks — New Zealand’s national rugby union team — back in 2005. He told TVNZ on Monday that he had been “living a lie,” focused on his dream of playing for the team and believing his sexuality conflicted with his image of an All Black man as “manly, strong, possibly with a wife and kids.”

He eventually told his friends and family that he is gay, but decided to come out publicly to help take the pressure off any aspiring or current rugby players who may be struggling the way he did.

“If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure and stigma surrounding the issue it can actually help other people,” he said. “Then the public will know that there is one in amongst the All Blacks and it could be one of the final pieces in the puzzle sports-wise that gives everyone closure.”

\u201cBloody legend Campbell Johnstone! \n\n"If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure and stigma surrounding the issue it can actually help other people.\u201d\u201d
— Shaneel Lal \ud83e\uddda\ud83c\udffb (They/Them) (@Shaneel Lal \ud83e\uddda\ud83c\udffb (They/Them)) 1675064643

Johnstone’s willingness to come forward and share this part of himself openly has already meant a lot to fans and advocates, who have highlighted the importance of his candor on social media.

\u201cCongratulations to Campbell Johnstone on being the first All Black to come out as gay, it\u2019s so significant.\n\nWith sporting in our DNA as a nation, showing young kids around Aotearoa they can be queer and play in our nation\u2019s men\u2019s rugby team - is huge. Representation matters.\u201d
— Max \ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08 (@Max \ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08) 1675058930

\u201cImpressed with the leadership from Campbell Johnstone to be the first openly gay All Black. Coming out is a very personal decision, and in a hyper masculine environment, it's no small feat. This will change lives. Thank you, Campbell \ud83d\udc96\ud83c\udf08\u201d
— Christian Rika \u26a1 (@Christian Rika \u26a1) 1675059103

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\u201cIgnore the pure vile spilling from some Twitter accounts. Having an All Black, former or current, being openly gay is huge for rugby and LGBTQIA+ communities. They should all feel welcomed and included in our national game. Kudos, Campbell Johnstone.\u201d
— Logan Swinkels \ud83c\udf99\ud83c\udfa5\ud83c\udfd2\ud83c\udfae (@Logan Swinkels \ud83c\udf99\ud83c\udfa5\ud83c\udfd2\ud83c\udfae) 1675059985

\u201cThe ABs represent the pinnacle of the NZ male archetype. The physical strength, grit & elusiveness of the ABs somehow problematically translates to assumptions we make about how men must act, behave, perform & relate in non-sporting situations. We also assume they are straight.\u201d
— Andre Afamasaga (@Andre Afamasaga) 1675071120

New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson also shared a statement praising Johnstone “for sharing his authentic story.”

“Rugby is a sport that is welcoming to everyone and a place where people should feel safe to be who they are,” he said. “We know that there are people who have not always been comfortable to be who they are in rugby. We want to be clear, no matter who you love, rugby has your back.”

\u201cArohanui Campbell Johnstone All Black #1056 \u2013 your strength and visibility will pave the way for others in sport here in Aotearoa and around the world \ud83d\udda4\ud83c\udfc9\ud83c\udf08\u201d
— New Zealand Rugby (@New Zealand Rugby) 1675059140