In a shocking personal revelation, premiership-winning AFL star Mitch Brown has detailed a deeply confronting encounter where a staff member from a major Australian media organisation challenged him to prove his sexuality.
A Confronting Bathroom Encounter
The former West Coast Eagles player, who made history in August by becoming the AFL's first openly bisexual man, told his Instagram followers the incident occurred at Lady Gaga's Melbourne concert last Friday. Brown explained he was "ambushed" by an unnamed woman in the bathroom.
"I was just sort of minding my own business. I walk into the bathroom, I hear this 'Mitch! Mitch! I've been meaning to talk to you!'" Brown recounted. He said he was then confronted by the staffer who declared, "I just don't believe you're bisexual. I just, like, I need you to prove it to me."
Brown, who was at the event with his female partner Lou, said he was "thrown" and "put off," having faced similar comments online but never in person. He felt compelled to explain himself, only for the woman to dismissively conclude, "Oh, so you're just gay, then."
A Pattern of Advocacy and Calling Out Harm
Brown linked this invasive experience directly to his apprehension about engaging with traditional football media. "People ask me why I've been really apprehensive of talking to traditional football media, and I mean, this is just an example of why that fear for me still exists," he stated.
This incident follows closely on the heels of Brown publicly criticising AFL legends Sam Newman and Wayne Carey. Earlier in the week, he alleged that their harsh commentary on the AFLW was "enabling violence against women." He shared a clip of their Footy Conversations segment, where Newman labelled the women's competition "ridiculous" and claimed it loses $50 million annually.
Brown's accompanying message was stark: "These attitudes and beliefs are so harmful....violence against women starts with disrespect." The Daily Mail has noted it is not suggesting Newman or Carey support violence against women.
Previous Stand Against Homophobia
This is not the first time Brown has used his platform to challenge homophobic attitudes within the football world. In September, he called out Geelong stars Bailey Smith and Patrick Dangerfield for their Mad Monday costumes, which involved a Brokeback Mountain reference.
At the time, Brown posted a pointed rebuke on Instagram: "Last time I checked, losing a grand final doesn't make you gay, but being homophobic definitely makes you a loser." His consistent stance highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in sport, both from within the industry and the media that covers it.
Brown's courageous decision to speak out about these experiences continues to shine a necessary light on the prejudice and ignorance that persist, underscoring the long road ahead for true inclusivity in Australian rules football and beyond.
