In a landmark moment for Australian sport, former West Coast Eagles defender Mitch Brown has become the first openly bisexual man in the history of the Australian Football League (AFL) and its predecessor, the Victorian Football League (VFL). Brown’s announcement, made public on August 27, 2025, has resonated far beyond the oval, sparking widespread discussion about inclusion, masculinity, and the future of Australia’s most popular spectator sport.
Brown, now 36, played 94 games over a decade-long AFL career with the West Coast Eagles, from 2007 until his retirement in 2016. His decision to come out as bisexual was revealed in an exclusive interview with youth-focused publication The Daily Aus, following an initial Instagram message to journalist Sam from the outlet. "Hey Sam, I played in the AFL for 10 years for the West Coast Eagles, and I’m a bisexual man," Brown wrote, setting the stage for a candid and emotional conversation about his journey.
For Brown, the journey to self-acceptance was fraught with the challenges of a "hyper-masculine" sporting culture. He described the AFL environment as one where open discussions about sexuality were virtually nonexistent. "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," Brown admitted. He recalled, in particular, a disturbing conversation between teammates: "I remember two people having a conversation around how they would feel having a shower next to a gay man, and one of the players said, 'I’d rather be in a cage full of lions than have a shower next to a gay man.'"
These and countless other homophobic remarks made Brown adept at hiding parts of himself. "I became very, very good at hiding parts of myself," he said, adding that the culture of the locker room and spas was geared exclusively toward heterosexual banter. "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. It was never once an opportunity to speak openly or explore your feelings or questions in a safe way."
Brown’s decision to come out wasn’t motivated by a desire for personal attention. "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," he told The Daily Aus. He hopes his story will provide "safety, comfort and space" for others, especially young men who may be struggling with their identity. "The reactions that I hope for are the ones I won’t hear. 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’s revelation comes at a time when the AFL is under increasing scrutiny for its handling of homophobia. Just a week prior to Brown’s announcement, Adelaide Crows forward Izak Rankine became the sixth AFL-listed player in two seasons to be suspended for making a homophobic slur during a match. The league has long positioned itself as a leader in promoting inclusion and diversity, partnering with LGBTQ organizations and launching campaigns to promote equality. Yet, the absence of openly gay or bisexual male players has led to questions about whether enough is being done to ensure safe environments in clubs and locker rooms.
The AFL’s response to Brown’s announcement was swift and supportive. CEO Andrew Dillon praised Brown’s bravery, stating, "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." Dillon emphasized the league’s ongoing commitment to inclusion: "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."
Support also poured in from across the football world. Fremantle captain Alex Pearce took to Instagram to commend Brown: "Courageous from Mitch. 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." Brown’s former club, the West Coast Eagles, described him as "courageous" and expressed pride in his honesty, noting, "His honesty about his experiences reminds us that we all have work to do in creating truly inclusive and welcoming spaces within our game across the country."
Health Equity Matters, an Australian LGBTQ advocacy group, called Brown’s announcement a "historic moment" for Australia. CEO Dash Heath-Paynter 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."
Brown’s story also highlights the ongoing challenges facing LGBTQ athletes in elite sport. He acknowledged that his bisexuality was a "huge factor" in his decision to retire at the age of 28, a reality that underscores the need for continued progress. "Your sexuality or being queer, for a man, only means you’re either gay or you’re not. There’s no in-between," Brown observed, noting that bisexuality is often misunderstood or dismissed within the sporting world. 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."
Brown’s message to fans was one of empathy and understanding. "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."
As the AFL Finals approach, Brown’s courage has already left a mark. His announcement has prompted renewed calls for the league to strengthen its efforts in creating safe and inclusive spaces for all players, officials, and fans. While questions remain about the effectiveness of current measures, Brown’s visibility is a significant step forward—one that may help break the silence for future generations of athletes.
For now, the football world is watching, reflecting, and—at least in many quarters—applauding Mitch Brown for his honesty and leadership. The ripple effects of his announcement are just beginning, but the message is clear: there is space for everyone in Australian Rules football.
