In a significant move for representation in sports broadcasting, former AFL player Mitch Brown is set to co-host the ABC’s coverage of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on February 28, 2026. Brown, who made headlines last year as the first AFL player to come out as bisexual, will join a diverse panel to bring the vibrant event to audiences nationwide.
Brown expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, “I just felt honoured, grateful, really excited.” He sees this role as another platform to continue important conversations about inclusivity in hypermasculine sports environments across Australia.
Breaking Barriers in Sports
Brown’s journey has been marked by a series of groundbreaking moments. In August 2025, he became one of the few male Australian athletes to publicly identify as queer, joining the ranks of NRL legend Ian Roberts, NBL player Isaac Humphries, A-League star Josh Cavallo, and Olympians Ian Thorpe and Matthew Mitcham. His decision to come out was not just personal but aimed at challenging stereotypes within the AFL.
“For me, growing up, there were no male role models that were queer in professional AFL,” Brown shared. “When you can’t speak to anyone, being able to at least look to someone is really important.”
A New Role Model
By participating in the Mardi Gras broadcast, Brown hopes to inspire other sportsmen who may be hiding their sexuality. His presence alongside personalities like drag queen Courtney Act and ABC journalists Mon Schafter and Jeremy Fernandez underscores the importance of visibility and representation.
Brown will march with the Sydney Swans, a club that has been part of the parade since 2018. This participation highlights the growing acceptance and celebration of diversity within sports. The NRL, which first featured a float in the parade in 2016, was notably absent in 2023 due to high demand for participation slots.
From Shame to Pride
Reflecting on his own journey, Brown spoke candidly about the transformation from feeling shame about his bisexuality to embracing pride. “Once upon a time, my bisexuality embarrassed me. It was the very thing I hated most about myself. And the opposite to that is pride and being proud of yourself,” he said.
Brown also hopes to spark discussions within the AFL through media, suggesting clubs watch the series Heated Rivalry, which explores the relationship between two gay ice hockey players. “We can have some great discussions, especially within AFL professional clubs, about that TV series and how it makes them feel,” he noted.
Looking Ahead
As for his attire at the Mardi Gras, Brown humorously suggested that the standard Aussie rules uniform might suffice, noting the sport’s inherently “queer-coded” attire. The event, a celebration of diversity and inclusion, will be broadcast live, offering viewers a chance to witness this historic moment in Australian sports and culture.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will air live on ABC TV and ABC iview at 7:30 PM on February 28, 2026, marking a significant step forward in visibility and acceptance for LGBTQ+ athletes and communities.
