Mitch Brown Becomes First Openly Bisexual AFL Player

In a historic and courageous revelation, former West Coast Eagles defender Mitch Brown has become the first male player in the Australian Football League’s 129-year history to publicly identify as bisexual. His announcement marks a milestone in visibility and inclusivity for one of Australia’s most traditionally masculine sports. 

Brown, who played 94 games over a decade (2007–2016) with the Eagles, shared his truth in an interview with The Daily Aus. He described the AFL as steeped in a “hyper-masculine” culture, where homophobic comments and toxic banter made it impossible to express his true identity during his career.

He reflected on hurtful moments that stayed with him, like a teammate joking, “I’d rather be in a cage full of lions than have a shower next to a gay man.” Such attitudes left him feeling isolated and fearful, prompting him to hide not just his sexuality, but his anxieties and deepest self. 

Brown revealed that these internal struggles contributed to his early retirement at just 28, a decision driven by a longing for authenticity and relief from the burden of concealment.

A Message of Hope and Call to Action

Brown’s decision to come out wasn’t about seeking attention, but rather about creating space for others. He expressed that the reactions he hopes to inspire aren’t the ones he’ll hear—but the silent ones from young men across Australia whispering, “I feel seen, I feel safer, and I have someone to look to.”

He emphasized the need for more than disciplinary actions against homophobia; what’s needed is cultural change and structural support. “What matters to me most is a movement where anyone can feel safe being themselves here in Australia,” he reflected.

Support and Momentum Build

The response was immediate and heartfelt. The West Coast Eagles publicly showed their support: “We love you, Mitch!” AFL leadership praised the moment as significant, and the broader football community, from fans to national LGBTQ+ organizations, hailed Brown’s honesty as inspiring.

Allied sports figures echoed the sentiment. Former basketball player Isaac Humphries, who came out as gay in 2022, called Brown’s announcement a “big step forward.” AFLW captain Katie Brennan lauded his bravery as empowering for future generations. 

Advocacy groups like Health Equity Matters emphasized the impact: Mitch’s open identity breaks through decades of silence, creating representation that matters, for players and fans alike.

Why This Matters for HypeQ’s Audience

Mitch Brown’s revelation goes far beyond the realm of sports; it’s a powerful statement about authenticity and representation in spaces traditionally dominated by hyper-masculine culture. For HypeQ’s audience, bold, socially aware, and driven by stories that challenge the status quo, this moment is about more than football. It represents visibility for queer voices in an arena where silence has long been the norm, empathy for the unseen struggles that athletes face, and a clear call for institutions to move beyond symbolic gestures toward real inclusivity. Above all, it serves as an inspiration for anyone navigating identity under pressure, proving that living openly is not only possible but transformative.

Final Thought

Mitch Brown’s courage shows that vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s powerful. His voice creates ripples of change across sports, media, and society at large.