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Rugby League Must Emulate Kane Evans's Courage After Player Comes Out as Gay

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Former NRL player Kane Evans publicly came out as gay, sharing his struggles with denial, fear, and suicidal thoughts.
  • Evans described his journey as a "worst nightmare" but expressed pride and hope after revealing his truth.
  • Rugby league is urged to create a more inclusive environment, following Evans' courageous step as only the second former male NRL player to come out publicly.

Former NRL player Kane Evans has bravely come out as gay, sharing the profound personal struggles he endured for decades. In an interview, Evans revealed that coming to terms with his sexuality was his "worst nightmare," leading to periods of denial, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation.

I had three goals in life, to play NRL, to buy my parents a house and then I was going to top myself.

— Kane EvansDescribing the depth of his past struggles and suicidal thoughts.

Evans, who played in the NRL between 2014 and 2021, spoke candidly about the internal war he waged between his true self and the persona he felt compelled to present. He detailed his battles with drugs and alcohol, his time sleeping rough, and the blackmail attempts he faced during his playing career after his secret was discovered.

"I had three goals in life, to play NRL, to buy my parents a house and then I was going to top myself," Evans said, illustrating the depth of his despair. Now sober for over 135 days, he described the moment of revelation as breaking his chains and ushering in a "brighter tomorrow."

Because I was living in denial. From a young age, I knew that I'm gay but I went down every other avenue to build up these walls to be someone … to escape who I am.

— Kane EvansExplaining his long struggle with his identity.

"Once I tell them I'll be free. Nothing can stop me after that," Evans stated, referring to telling his parents. He expressed a sense of pride in himself, looking forward to a future free from the "bad thoughts" that haunted him for years. His announcement marks him as a pioneer, following Ian Roberts as only the second former male NRL player to publicly identify as gay.

Once I tell them I'll be free. Nothing can stop me after that.

— Kane EvansExpressing his anticipation and relief after deciding to come out to his parents.

The article calls on the wider rugby league community to match Evans' courage by fostering an environment where all individuals feel safe to be their authentic selves. It acknowledges the sport's mixed record on LGBTQI+ inclusion, referencing past controversies like the Manly Pride jersey incident, and emphasizes the need for genuine change.

I'm a bit proud of myself and when I look at myself in the mirror now I'm going to smile and not have those bad thoughts.

— Kane EvansReflecting on his newfound self-acceptance and hope.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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