Former AFL Player Mitch Brown Reveals He is Bisexual, Cites Hiding Sexuality as Factor in Retirement
Melbourne, Australia – August 26, 2025 – In a landmark moment for Australian Rules Football, former West Coast Eagles player Mitch Brown has publicly come out as bisexual, becoming the first openly bisexual athlete in the AFL, even after retirement. Brown, 36, revealed his sexuality to The Daily Aus after witnessing recent incidents of homophobia within the league, stating the pressure of concealing his identity significantly impacted his decision to retire from professional football in 2016.
Brown played 94 matches for the West Coast Eagles between 2007 and 2016. He shared the news initially via direct message to The Daily Aus’ social media account, writing, “I played in the AFL for 10 years for the West Coast Eagles, and I’m a bisexual man.”
The announcement breaks a critically important barrier in the AFL, which until now was the onyl major professional men’s sport globally without an openly gay or bisexual player, even post-career. Brown expressed hope that his openness will foster “safety, comfort and space” for other LGBTQ+ athletes to come forward.
“It was never once an chance to speak openly or explore your feelings or questions in a safe way,” Brown explained to The Daily Aus. He described a pervasive culture of “hyper-masculinity” during his time in the league, recounting hearing “countless” homophobic comments directed at him on the field. He recalled the casual use of the word “gay” as an insult during his school years, and a deeply unsettling conversation with teammates regarding sharing shower facilities with a gay player. “One of the players said ‘I’d rather be in a cage full of lions than have a shower next to a gay man.'”
Brown’s decision to speak out now stems from a newfound “feeling of peace… comfort and confidence” that he lacked while actively playing. He is currently in a relationship with a female partner and shares two sons with his former wife, Shae Bolton, a former netball player.
The revelation arrives amidst heightened scrutiny of homophobia within the AFL. Last week, Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine received a four-week ban for using a “highly offensive” homophobic slur during a game. brown responded to the incident by advocating for a “sense of change” within the league, emphasizing the importance of elevating “positive male role models.”
“My advice to the AFL would be, let’s celebrate the players who may not be the most prosperous, but they’re the most important players in our community,” he stated.
Brown believes there are currently other LGBTQ+ players within the AFL who remain closeted and offered a message of support: “I see you and you are not alone.”
Evergreen Context: LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Sport
The lack of openly LGBTQ+ athletes in major men’s professional sports has long been a subject of discussion and concern. While progress has been made in recent years,particularly in women’s sports,the pressure to conform to conventional masculine norms and fear of discrimination continue to be significant barriers for many athletes.
Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ individuals are less likely to participate in sports due to concerns about safety, acceptance, and potential negative consequences for their careers. The AFL, like many sporting organizations, has implemented policies aimed at promoting inclusion and combating discrimination, but Brown’s experience highlights the gap between policy and lived reality.
His courage in speaking out is expected to spark further conversations about creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ athletes at all levels of the sport, and potentially serve as a catalyst for others to share their stories. The incident involving Izak Rankine underscores the ongoing need for education and accountability regarding homophobic language and behavior within the AFL community.
Key Identifications:
Breaking news: Mitch brown’s public announcement as the first openly bisexual AFL player (post-retirement).
Key Individuals: Mitch Brown, Izak Rankine, Shae Bolton.
Organizations: west Coast Eagles,Adelaide Crows,AFL,The Daily Aus.
Themes: LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, homophobia, athlete mental health, cultural change in professional sports.
