Former West Coast player Mitch Brown has come out as bisexual in a powerful speech that has resonated deeply with the queer footy community. His announcement came during a particularly challenging week for LGBTQIA+ people in Australian rules football, following the AFL's controversial handling of a homophobic slur by Adelaide's Izak Rankine. Brown's decision to speak his truth at this moment has been widely praised as an act of bravery and love.
The AFL took four days to sanction Rankine for using a homophobic slur, and ultimately reduced his suspension, reneging on their stated precedent. This verdict left many in the queer community feeling let down and subjected to online abuse. Against this backdrop, Brown chose to come out, stating he wanted to be a role model and ease the path for others. His speech gave voice to universal experiences and shifted the discourse from hypotheticals to lived reality.
Brown's courage has been met with an outpouring of support from across the football world. Collingwood's Brayden Maynard spoke out against homophobia, while Darcy Moore and Alex Pearce made strong statements of support on Instagram. Ben Brown and Tom Campbell marched with the Ruby Demons at Midsumma, and Nick Davis joined the Rainbow Swans at Mardi Gras. These actions signal a changing culture within the AFL playing group.
The AFL released its LGBTQI+ inclusion action plan in 2024, but it came too late to have any impact on Brown's experience. The league still lacks a soft landing place for closeted male players, and the frequency of homophobic slurs remains a concern. However, Brown's speech has reminded the community that progress is possible, and that love can triumph over hate. As one commentator noted, 'If the slur emboldened the worst in society, then Brown has empowered the best.'
