A former Australian Football League (AFL) player has made history by becoming the first openly bisexual man in the league’s 129-year history. Mitch Brown, who played 94 matches for the West Coast Eagles between 2007 and 2016, recently revealed his sexuality in an interview with The Daily Aus. Brown described the immense pressure of hiding his true self, which contributed significantly to his decision to retire from professional football.
The announcement comes amid a backdrop of ongoing discussions about inclusivity in sports. The AFL had been the only major professional men’s sport globally without an openly gay or bisexual player, even post-retirement. Brown’s decision to come out is seen as a potential catalyst for change within the league, where he hopes to foster a culture of “safety, comfort, and space” for others to follow suit.
Breaking the Silence
Brown first shared his story through a direct message to The Daily Aus’s social media account, prompted by recent incidents of homophobia in the AFL. “I played in the AFL for 10 years for the West Coast Eagles, and I’m a bisexual man,” he wrote. This decision was born from a newfound “feeling of peace… comfort and confidence” that eluded him during his playing years.
The former player reflected on the “hyper-masculinity” prevalent in the AFL, where homophobic remarks were commonplace. “When I was growing up at school, the word ‘gay’ was thrown around constantly… For a man in Australia, [it was seen as] probably the weakest thing you could be,” Brown recounted. He also recalled a disturbing conversation with teammates about showering next to a gay man, where one player expressed extreme discomfort.
Expert Opinions and Historical Context
Brown’s revelation has sparked discussions about the potential for cultural shifts within the AFL and beyond. Erik Denison, a researcher in behavioural science at Monash University, highlighted the significance of Brown’s announcement.
“This is an historic moment for world sport because the AFL is the last major professional sport to be without an openly gay or bisexual male player,” Denison noted. “However, players coming out so far haven’t had much of an effect on changing behaviours in the grassroots.”
Denison believes Brown’s approach, which openly addresses the issues within the sport, could be pivotal in driving change.
Reflecting on the history of openly gay athletes, it’s been 50 years since David Kopay became the first gay professional athlete in the NFL. Denison remains hopeful that Brown’s announcement will “help drive change to culture and behaviour at clubs around Australia.”
Looking Forward
Brown, now 36, is in a relationship with a female partner and was previously married to former netball player Shae Bolton, with whom he shares two sons. His announcement follows several high-profile homophobic incidents in the AFL, including a recent four-week ban for Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine for using a “highly offensive” homophobic slur during a game.
Addressing these incidents, Brown expressed his desire to see a “sense of change” in the league by promoting “positive male role models.” He advised the AFL to celebrate players who may not be the most successful but are crucial to fostering a supportive community. Brown also believes there are current gay and bisexual players in the AFL who remain closeted, urging fans to empathize with all players.
In a message to those who still do not feel comfortable enough to speak out, Brown shared,
“I see you and you are not alone.”
His courageous step forward not only marks a personal milestone but also sets a precedent for inclusivity and acceptance in sports.
