Former AFL Player Champions Change for LGBTQ+ Inclusion

The first openly bisexual player in the Australian Football League (AFL), Mitch Brown, is advocating for significant cultural change within the sport. Brown’s call to action comes in response to ongoing instances of homophobic abuse, which have highlighted the need for greater inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ athletes in the AFL.

Brown, who played for the West Coast Eagles from 2007 to 2016, shared his experiences with the Daily Aus, stating, “I played in the AFL for 10 years, and I’m a bisexual man.” This revelation marks a significant moment in AFL history, as no other male player has publicly identified as bisexual or gay in nearly 130 years of competition. Brown described the league’s environment as one of hypermasculinity, where he felt compelled to conceal not only his sexuality but also his emotions and struggles.

Creating a Safe Space for Change

Retiring at the age of 28 after playing 94 AFL games, Brown expressed that his decision was influenced by the difficulty of balancing personal and professional challenges. He aims to use his story to foster “safety, comfort, and space” for others within the league. His message emphasizes the importance of structural change over punitive measures for players guilty of homophobic behavior.

Following the suspension of Izak Rankine, a player for the league-leading Adelaide Crows, for four games due to a homophobic slur, Brown felt compelled to speak out. Rankine’s suspension marked the sixth instance of a player being penalized for similar conduct in the past 16 months. Brown stated, “The reactions that I hope for are the ones I won’t hear. They’re the voices of young men around Australia going, ‘I feel seen, I feel a little bit safer.’”

Brown’s call for change resonates with many observers who have documented longstanding discrimination within sports. According to Dr. Erik Denison, a behavioral scientist at Monash University, Brown’s perspective as a recent player provides a unique and powerful voice in the conversation. “It’s one thing for players from other sports to talk about problems in the AFL. It’s another thing for a respected AFL player to address these issues,” Denison noted.

Advocating for a Pride Round

Denison also highlighted the potential impact of establishing a dedicated Pride Round in the AFL, similar to the one already in place in the AFL Women’s Competition. Currently, the Sydney Swans are the sole AFL men’s club hosting a pride game annually, while the women’s league has all clubs participating in their Pride Round. This initiative could foster a more inclusive culture in the league.

Brown’s advocacy emphasizes that addressing issues of homophobia and discrimination requires a shift in the day-to-day culture of the sport. “Every club needs to be involved in the process of change,” he said. By calling attention to the specific areas needing improvement, Brown hopes to catalyze a movement toward greater acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ athletes in the AFL.

The conversation sparked by Brown’s statements is gaining momentum within the football community. As discussions around inclusivity evolve, the hope is that his courage will pave the way for a more accepting and diverse environment in Australian football.