Last night, Mitch Brown delivered a historic announcement. He is the first male player in more than a century of Australian Football League (AFL) history to come out as openly bisexual. The ex-West Coast Eagles 94-gamer hung up the boots at the ripe old age of 27 back in 2016. In sharing his own journey toward self-acceptance, he shared the powerful motivation that led to his decision—to come out as an emotional crescendo.
Inclusivity in sports remains a prominent topic even now. Brown’s announcement further underlines the changing cultural landscape within Australian football. His message is intended to help make the entire sporting community a more inclusive and welcoming place for LGBTIQA+ people. He’s supported by his ex-wife Shae, a former Australian netballer, and their two infant sons.
By coming out Brown hopes to take the fear that is associated with his identity out of the equation. He believes this decision is even more crucial when performing in front of massive audiences, such as those at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). In doing so, he said, he hoped his announcement would encourage other athletes who might still be dealing with similar struggles.
During the panel discussion, the former AFL player highlighted the need for empathy and understanding in what can be a cut-throat competitive sports culture. His description of this experience was just as colorful. He had just heard his team-mates talk about their horror at showering next to a gay guy. His experience sheds further light on the stigma that permeates sports culture today.
“I remember two people having a conversation around how they would feel having a shower next to a gay man,” – Mitch Brown
Brown’s announcement has been widely praised by commentators and public health advocates. Kate McCarthy and Corbin Middlemas honored his pioneering spirit, courage and honesty. Above all, they acknowledged the huge impact that he had on visibility and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals in sports.
Dash Heath-Paynter, CEO of Health Equity Matters, called Brown’s announcement a “historic moment” for Australia. He understands the difference this can make in building stronger and more inclusive foundations for all LGBTIQA+ people. As Heath-Paynter explained, “In more than 150 years of AFL competition, no male player has come out as openly bisexual or gay. Mitch’s announcement breaks decades of silence. In doing so, it continues to lead the way for others that may still be on their own journey.
By sharing his story, Brown wants to make other LGBTQ+ people feel more comfortable in their own skin. He stated, “Part of the reason why I wanted to share some of my experiences is so those people, whether they want to start talking about it with their partner or their friends or someone in their community, that they feel seen and that it’s OK.” He encouraged other people who were questioning their identities to tell them, “It’s OK to feel this way. You’re not any less of a man — whatever that even means.”
Shae, Brown’s ex and business partner, beams as she talks about Brown’s move. She’s confident it will foster a safer, more respectful world for young boys and men in Australia. She remarked, “This will make the world a slightly better place for our boys and young men in Australia. Hopefully old men, too.”
Brown celebrated the power of being unapologetic about one’s identity and the courage that it takes to be fearless. He reflected upon times in his life. During those earlier eras, he didn’t say anything because he was afraid of being outed as gay or bisexual.
“There have been so many times in my life that I’ve seen things or heard things and not said anything in fear of people thinking that I was gay or bisexual,” – Mitch Brown
His brother, Nathan — a 2010 Collingwood premiership player — has voiced his support for Mitch’s path as well. This family support serves to highlight the need for acceptance at the individual and corporate levels.
As he considers what’s to come, Brown is very aware of the weight that accompanies his new public profile. He stated, “I’m in this position strong and comfortable to, as (former AFL CEO) Gill McLachlan says, take the burden. And if anybody had to do it, I’m in the unique space to have to do it.
