Former AFL Player Mitch Brown First Openly Bisexual Man in League History

Mitch Brown, a former West Coast Eagles player, has made history as the first man in the VFL/AFL to publicly come out as bisexual, receiving widespread support from the AFL community. His announcement follows a series of homophobic incidents in the league, including a recent suspension of Adelaide star Izak Rankine for using an anti-gay slur. Brown spoke about the challenges of hiding his sexuality in a hypermasculine environment and the prevalence of homophobic abuse during his playing career. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon and other leaders praised Brown's courage, emphasizing the importance of fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all athletes. The AFL Players' Association and clubs have reiterated their commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ players and creating a respectful industry. Brown's story has sparked significant conversations about inclusion and safety within the sport and inspired hope for future players to live authentically.