Mitch Brown calls for action in AFL after making history as its first out bisexual player
After coming out as bisexual last week, the retired AFL player said the league needs to embed inclusion "not just in words, but in culture, policies and everyday actions"
By Aaron Sugg
Mitch Brown has called for change in the Australian Football League after making history last week as the first out bisexual AFL player.
The 36-year-old retired from the game in 2016, marking 10 years in football.
Coming out in an interview with The Daily Aus last week, he reflected on the hyper-masculine culture of AFL and the broader expectations of Australian men: “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.”
“It’s time for the AFL and the clubs to commit to genuine change” – Mitch Brown on inclusion in AFL after coming out as bisexual
Since the announcement, he has taken to Instagram to share a statement of gratitude, thanking fans for their support, acknowledging his girlfriend’s encouragement, and highlighting the bigger picture.
“This is also a call to action,” he wrote “It’s time for the AFL and the clubs to commit to genuine change, embedding inclusion not just in words, but in culture, policies and everyday actions.”
He continued: “If we can make our game a better place where everyone belongs, the ripple effect on Australian society will be profound.
“To create a safer, more inclusive sport and society for everyone” – Brown in his mission in AFL since coming out as bisexual
“I look forward to joining the movement that started long before me to create a safer, more inclusive sport and society for everyone.”
This statement comes shortly after AFL player Izak Rankine was handed a four-match sanction for using a homophobic slur on the pitch.
AFL chief executive officer Andrew Dillon said in a statement: “The language used was offensive, hurtful and highly inappropriate. Importantly, this incident called out by players and acknowledged by Izak himself as wrong.”
He highlighted the importance of equality in the game: “Inclusion and respect are key priorities for the AFL. They are central to who we are as a game and as an organisation.”
“The fact this has been so positively received gives me hope” – Brown on the reception he has received since coming out
This comes shortly after Dillon defended the decision to have Snoop Dogg headline the AFL Grand Final later this September, amid LGBTQ+ controversy.
Though Brown admits there is still room for improvement, the reception he has received has given him hope: “The fact this has been so positively received gives me hope for what this might mean for young people, especially queer young Australians who are still finding their place in the world.
“If even one of them feels less alone, less afraid, or more confident to be themselves, then it has been worth it.”
He also took a moment to praise several other Australian athletes such as the likes of Attitude cover star Josh Cavallo, footballer Jason Ball and basketball player Isaac Humphries.
“Their courage is the reason doors are opening now,” he said.