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Mitch Brown Comes Out as AFL’s First Openly Bisexual Male Player

His disclosure spotlights homophobic locker-room attitudes he says contributed to his early retirement.

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PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 05: Mitchell Brown of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the round three AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the St Kilda Saints at Patersons Stadium on April 5, 2014 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
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Mitch Brown in action for the Eagles in 2013.

Overview

  • In an interview with The Daily Aus, Brown described a “hyper‑masculine” culture and recalled a teammate saying they would “rather be in a cage full of lions” than shower next to a gay man.
  • He said the strain of concealing his sexuality was a major factor in stepping away at 28 after 94 games for West Coast.
  • Brown believes there are gay and bisexual men currently in the AFL and hopes his announcement creates safety for others to come forward.
  • The revelation comes as the league issues sanctions for homophobic slurs, with Adelaide’s Izak Rankine recently suspended for four matches.
  • Health Equity Matters praised the move and urged systemic change, while West Coast and other clubs posted messages of support as Brown said on social media he feels confident owning his identity.