Mitch Brown was ‘overwhelmed by kindness’ after coming out as AFL’s first bisexual star
Mitch Brown made history as the AFL’s first out bisexual player. (Getty Images)
Mitch Brown made history as the AFL's first out bisexual player. (Getty Images)
Former West Coast Eagles player Mitch Brown has shared a heartfelt reflection after becoming the AFL’s first out bisexual player, saying that he and his family have been ‘overwhelmed by kindness’.
Mitch Brown, who played for 94 games and ten seasons between 2007 and 2016 in the AFL (Australian Football League), made history last week when he came out as bisexual – the first player, current or former, to do so in the sport’s history.
The former West Coast defender spoke to the Daily Aus to share his truth, emphasising the homophobia of the sport’s culture at the time.
“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’,” he told the publication in a longer interview.
He added: “I remember those comments, and the conversation in the locker room just exacerbated that fear even more if you’re a gay man or a bisexual man sitting in that locker room.”
Now, Brown has issued his thanks to fans, friends and family, including his current partner, and his ex-wife with whom he shares two children, in a lengthy statement to his Instagram.
“It has been a few days since I shared my story, and l’ve had space to let it all sink in,” the 36-year-old wrote.
“Before it went live, there was a part of me that was worried about the homophobia or potential backlash I might receive. What happened instead was that the story was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, for which I am so grateful.”
Mitch Brown thanked his partner, Lou, for her “love, strength and resilience,” and for being his “anchor,” as well as his ex-wife, Shae Bolton Brown and their two boys, adding, “I could ever have done this without them.”
He continued: “I have been overwhelmed by the kindness, encouragement, and solidarity that has poured in from people across Australia and around the world.”
“Every message, every story shared, every word of support has meant more to me than I can say. I will carry that gratitude with me always. I want to acknowledge those that came before me – often at great personal cost – to make sport and society more inclusive.
“People like Jason Ball, lan Roberts, Isaac Humphries, Josh Cavallo, and Danielle Laidley, as well as countless advocates and allies in the queer community, have paved the way,” he added, referencing previous Australian sports stars to have come out.
“Their courage is the reason doors are opening now. I also want to acknowledge the AFLW. These players, staff and fans are already showing us what an inclusive, supportive environment looks like,” Brown added.
“The players are role models not only for young women, but for every young Australian who is searching for a place where they can belong.”
The star continued that his reception has given him hope for “what this might mean for … queer young Australians, who are still finding their place in the world.” He wrote: “If even one of them feels less alone, less afraid, or more confident to be themselves, then it has been worth it.”
Brown signed off with a “call to action” for the AFL, which has recently seen several players handed bans for the use of homophobic slurs in matches.
“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.”
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