The Daily Aus Summer series: The AFL's first openly bisexual player (Pt 1)
Dec 31, 2025
Mitch Brown, a former West Coast Eagles player, made history by being the AFL's first openly bisexual man. He shares the emotions behind his public reveal and reflects on why no players before him came out, citing generational attitudes and hyper-masculine environments. Growing up in Ballarat, Mitch discusses the challenges of conforming to toxic masculinity, the suppression of his sexuality, and the harmful use of homophobic slurs in football culture. His journey ultimately led him to retire, prioritizing authenticity and self-acceptance.
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DM That Changed AFL History
- Mitch Brown messaged Sam Koslowski saying he had played 10 years for the West Coast Eagles and was a bisexual man.
- That single DM marked the moment he publicly identified as the first openly gay or bisexual male AFL player.
Generational Change Explains Late Visibility
- Mitch reflects that societal change and greater empathy explain why being openly queer in the AFL took so long.
- He links broader generational shifts in education and attitudes to the timeline of visibility in the sport.
Hyper-Masculine Upbringing Inhibits Exploration
- Mitch describes growing up in Ballarat, playing only with boys and attending an all-boys Catholic school before being drafted at 17.
- He says those hyper-masculine environments suppressed opportunities to explore or discuss sexuality.