Former AFL Player Mitch Brown Comes Out as Bisexual Hopes to Inspire Others

Former Australian Football League (AFL) player Mitch Brown has spoken publicly about his decision to come out as bisexual, expressing hope that his revelation will create the “safety comfort and space” for others to come forward.

Brown who played 94 games for the West Coast Eagles between 2007 and 2016 made history as the first openly bisexual male player in AFL’s 129-year history.

In an interview, Brown described the “hyper-masculine” culture he experienced in the AFL locker rooms, recalling a disturbing comment where a teammate said he would “rather be in a cage full of lions than have a shower next to a gay man.”

This environment contributed to his decision to keep his sexuality private during his playing career.

Brown’s announcement is seen as a pivotal moment for the AFL a league that has been striving to combat homophobia but had never had a male player come out publicly as gay or bisexual until now.

AFL officials, including CEO Andrew Dillon and former players, have praised Brown for his courage and his role in pushing for greater inclusivity in the sport.

Brown hopes his openness will inspire other footballers who may still be hiding their true selves to feel seen and supported.

He also emphasizes that this is not about him alone but about sparking a broader cultural change within the sport to ensure safe and accepting environments for everyone.

The West Coast Eagles formally expressed their pride and support for Brown commending his bravery in sharing his truth and underscoring their commitment to fostering inclusivity within their club and the wider AFL community.

This historic coming out resonates beyond sports serving as an important step toward breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes in Australian football and society at large.