Mitch Brown Calls for Cultural Shift in AFL After Coming Out

BRISBANE, Australia — In a groundbreaking move, Mitch Brown has publicly identified as the first openly bisexual player in the Australian Football League (AFL), calling for significant cultural changes within the sport. In a statement released on March 27, 2024, Brown expressed his desire to shift the narrative surrounding homophobia in the league, particularly following a recent incident involving a homophobic slur.

Brown, who played for the West Coast Eagles from 2007 to 2016, stated, “I played in the AFL for 10 years, and I’m a bisexual man.” His announcement comes against the backdrop of nearly 130 years of Australian rules football, during which no male player had openly identified as bisexual or gay. Brown’s revelation highlights a cultural lag in the AFL compared to other sports such as the NFL and rugby.

Challenging the Culture

Reflecting on his experiences, Brown described entering a “hypermasculine culture” that discouraged authenticity. “I became very, very good at concealing myself,” he said, indicating that this concealment extended beyond his sexuality to his overall well-being. He retired from professional football at the age of 28, partly due to the difficulty in balancing personal struggles with the demands of a professional career.

Now, Brown aims to create “safety, comfort, and space” for current and future players. He emphasizes the need for the AFL to focus on structural changes rather than merely increasing the length of suspensions for players guilty of homophobic behavior. “The reactions that I hope for are the ones I won’t hear,” he noted, expressing a desire for young men across Australia to feel seen and supported.

Brown’s decision to come forward was influenced by the recent suspension of Izak Rankine, a player for the Adelaide Crows, who received a four-game ban for using a homophobic slur. Rankine’s case marked the sixth suspension for similar conduct within a 16-month period. Brown’s candid reflections on the AFL’s cultural issues are anticipated to resonate more deeply coming from a recently retired player.

Expert Opinions on Change

Dr. Erik Denison, a behavioral scientist from Monash University, emphasized the importance of Brown’s voice in initiating change. “It’s one thing for players from other sports to talk about problems in the AFL,” he explained, “but for a respected AFL player to address these issues may have a greater impact.” Denison noted that the sport’s culture of conformity, driven by the physical similarities among players, has hindered the visibility of openly gay or bisexual athletes.

Denison advocates for initiatives such as a Pride Round, similar to the one already established in the AFL women’s competition, where all clubs participate. Currently, only the Sydney Swans among the men’s teams host a dedicated pride game each year. “Every club needs to be involved in the process of change,” Denison stated, reinforcing the necessity for grassroots efforts in transforming the league’s culture.

Brown’s announcement has already garnered support from within the league. The West Coast Eagles responded quickly, stating on social media, “We love you, Mitch!” AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon referred to Brown’s coming out as “an important moment for our entire game.” He expressed hope that Brown’s story would encourage others to share their journeys and receive support from their teams and the wider community.

Australian rules football, which originated in the 1850s around Melbourne, is a dynamic contact sport played by teams of 18 on an oval field. It holds a prominent place among Australia’s most popular sports, with a top-tier national league consisting of 18 clubs. As the AFL navigates these cultural challenges, Brown’s advocacy for inclusivity and acceptance may pave the way for a more diverse future in the sport.