‘I’m in the space to do it’: Former Eagle Mitch Brown comes out as AFL’s first openly bisexual man

Former West Coast defender Mitch Brown has become the first player in VFL/AFL history to publicly declare he’s a bisexual man — a courageous move that has brought him “peace, but more importantly, comfort and confidence”.

In a landmark and positive moment for the code, Brown, who played 94 games in 10 seasons at the Eagles, opened up about his journey in an exclusive interview The Daily Aus, detailing awkward conversations with teammates, as well as describing a culture of “hyper-masculinity” that he felt led to own sexuality be “buried”

Brown initially reached out to the publication via Instagram, writing in a private message: “Hey Sam, I played in the AFL for 10 years for the West Coast Eagles, and I’m a bisexual man.” He then conducted an interview, which was published on Tuesday.

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“There’s 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,” said Brown, who claimed he’d experienced “countless” on-field homophobic comments. He also said became “very, very good,” at hiding parts of himself.

Brown’s revelation comes a week after Adelaide star, Izak Rankine, joined a lengthy list of AFL players banned for homophobic remarks.

The AFL congratulated Brown.

“Mitch has shown great courage today in sharing his story and personal journey. This is an important moment for him, and for our entire game,” CEO Andrew Dillon said in a statement.

“Today is a step forward, and building on Mitch’s story we hope that others feel encouraged to be their authentic selves and share their own journeys, and that these stories are met with support from teammates, clubs and the wider football community.

“The AFL will continue to partner with our clubs, our Pride and Allies groups and the LGBTQI+ community to drive and celebrate inclusion across both our AFL and AFLW competitions.

“Together, our commitment is to keep making football an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone to thrive — and that work never stops.”

The former key back said he never felt “safe” revealing his sexuality during his AFL career.

“In the locker room and in the spas, the chats were all geared around ‘who did everyone pick up on the weekend’? Or, you know, she’s pretty hot,” Brown said.

“It was never once an opportunity to speak openly or explore your feelings or questions in a safe way.”

Brown, who lauded the support of his family and friends for his decision to come out, said he was prepared to “take the burden” of speaking out, adding: “If someone needed to do it, I’m in the space to do it.”

But Brown stressed to The Daily Aus: “I don’t believe that this is about me. It’s not about Mitch Brown being the first at all. For me, it’s about sharing my experience so others can feel seen.”

Brown said he was hopeful his move provides space and inspiration for “the second person”, adding he was prepared for whatever subsequent reaction.

“The reactions that I hope for are the ones I won’t hear,” Brown said. “They’re the ones of those young men around Australia going, I feel seen, I feel a little bit safer, and I have a role model, albeit just ordinary old Mitch, a role model I can now look to.”

Brown said he identifies as bisexual.

“Your sexuality or being queer, for a man, only means you’re either gay or you’re not. There’s no in-between,” he said.

“Bisexuality is (believed to be) not a thing, it’s (seen as) made up to cover gay men or straight-presenting gay men.”

He said he firmly believes there are “currently gay and bisexual men playing in the AFL at the moment and in the past”, adding “I see you and you are not alone.”

In a message to AFL fans, Brown said: “If you can find it somewhere in your heart, whether you’re sitting there watching football on the weekend or you’re sitting next to your brother, to have a sense of empathy that hey, they might be that very person that might be suppressing feelings. They might be that person who is feeling so trapped and unhappy because they can’t be who they are.

“That sense of empathy, even just a fraction, I think it’ll make a huge difference.”

Fremantle captain Alex Pearce showed his support on Instagram, posting: “Courageous from Mitch (applause emoji). This game should be one that respects and provides a safe environment for everyone.

“His example should help us continue to grow as a sport.”

Health Equity Matters chief executive Dash Heath-Paynter called it a “historic moment” for Australia.

“Mitch Brown’s story demonstrates strength and honesty. Speaking openly about his sexuality in the context of elite Australian sport is inspiring and will give confidence to many Australians confronting similar questions of identity,” he said.

“For over a century of AFL competition, no male player has identified as openly bisexual or gay. Mitch’s announcement breaks through decades of silence and opens the door for others who may be on their own journey.

“This is a powerful statement about visibility and inclusion. For LGBTIQA+ young people watching today, Mitch is showing them that they belong in every space, including in the nation’s most followed sporting code.”

Heath-Paynter hoped Brown’s announcement would prompt more inclusivity by the AFL and help other players speak as freely.

“Mitch’s announcement reflects the contemporary reality of broader Australian society,” he said.

“However, it also reminds us there is still work to be done to ensure all sporting codes in Australia are inclusive and safe spaces for LGBTIQA+ people.

“As the AFL approaches its finals season, we would urge them to grasp the opportunity offered by Mitch’s strength.

“When public figures like Mitch share their stories, it smashes down barriers, builds confidence, and creates pathways for others to be the person they want to be.

“His announcement today will resonate far beyond the sporting world and contribute to a more equitable Australia for all LGBTIQA+ people.”

— with NCA NewsWire