A former Aussie Rules player has come out as the first openly gay or bisexual man in the Australian Football League's (AFL) 129-year history.
Mitch Brown, who played 94 matches for the West Coast Eagles from 2007 to 2016, told The Daily Aus that the weight of hiding his sexuality played a huge part in his decision to retire. He added that he hopes his decision to speak out will create the safety, comfort, and space for others to come forward.
The news marks a pivotal moment for the AFL, which prior to Brown's announcement, was the only major professional men's sport globally to never have had an openly gay or bisexual player, even after retirement.
Brown first shared the news in a social media direct message after watching coverage of recent incidents of homophobia in the AFL. He expressed a desire for peace, comfort, and confidence that he lacked while hiding his sexuality in the league.
He noted a culture of hyper-masculinity in the AFL and recalled numerous instances of homophobic comments directed at him. In a powerful statement, he shared, I see you and you are not alone, addressing those who may feel isolated in their experiences. Brown's announcement is a significant step towards promoting acceptance and understanding in sports.
Mitch Brown, who played 94 matches for the West Coast Eagles from 2007 to 2016, told The Daily Aus that the weight of hiding his sexuality played a huge part in his decision to retire. He added that he hopes his decision to speak out will create the safety, comfort, and space for others to come forward.
The news marks a pivotal moment for the AFL, which prior to Brown's announcement, was the only major professional men's sport globally to never have had an openly gay or bisexual player, even after retirement.
Brown first shared the news in a social media direct message after watching coverage of recent incidents of homophobia in the AFL. He expressed a desire for peace, comfort, and confidence that he lacked while hiding his sexuality in the league.
He noted a culture of hyper-masculinity in the AFL and recalled numerous instances of homophobic comments directed at him. In a powerful statement, he shared, I see you and you are not alone, addressing those who may feel isolated in their experiences. Brown's announcement is a significant step towards promoting acceptance and understanding in sports.
