Mitch Brown - AFL’s First Openly Bisexual Man

Sep 21, 2025

Mitch Brown, a former AFL player and the first openly bisexual man in the league's history, shares his groundbreaking journey with the hosts. He discusses the profound impact of visibility and belonging, reflecting on the struggles of navigating hyper-masculinity and imposter syndrome. Mitch delves into a traumatic experience and its lasting effects on his identity, as well as the support from his ex-wife during his path to authenticity. Emphasizing empathy and understanding, he advocates for kinder, more inclusive spaces in sports.

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INSIGHT

Visibility Creates Belonging

Mitch Brown says his coming out mattered less because of his name and more because it represented belonging and safety for others.
He reflects that visibility helps people feel welcomed and find their true selves.

INSIGHT

Identity Pressure Of Being A Twin

Growing up as an identical twin, Mitch felt like the 'spare' and adopted a manufactured masculine identity to belong.
That mismatch caused chronic anxiety he mistook for weakness during his career.

ANECDOTE

Teammate's Post-Interview Apology

A teammate apologised after Mitch's public story, admitting regret for turning his early question into a joke.
The apology showed how education and visibility could change past behaviour.

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This moment is bigger than Mitch Brown.

💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy.

Tie up your laces and pull up your socks, this story is ones for the ages.

As the first male AFL player in the sport’s 129 year history to come out as bisexual, Mitch, and the public’s reaction to his story, epitomises the importance of visibility, role models and the creation of safe and inclusive environments.

Joining us in the studio, Mitch takes us back to the beginning, vulnerably telling Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the hyper-masculine environments which formed (and suppressed) his identity from a young age.

Talking through his newfound imposter syndrome, past-mistakes, and journey to finding his true, authentic self, Mitch emphasizes the critical importance of empathy.

Confiding with the guys about how monumental, overwhelming and joyful the past few weeks have been, Mitch also acknowledges the deep grief of people in his life who felt like they had let him down.

Mitch, you are making the world a better place. We love you (so much).

If you’d like to watch this full video on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/cLHU4CJkqww

This episode discusses an experience of sexual assault, if this is something you're not ready to hear right now, we suggest you skip this one and come back when you are ready.

🎧Things to listen to:

The Daily Aus - Part 1: The AFL’s first openly bisexual player - http://bit.ly/4nHyQfJ
The Daily Aus - Part 2: The AFL’s first openly bisexual player - http://bit.ly/3VpMdVM

🚨If you, or someone you know, is struggling, these are a few great resources

QLife - provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people over 18 wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. 1800 184 527, www.qlife.org.au
Minus 18 - Through a preventative model of mental health support, Minus 18 tackle social isolation by creating fun-filled spaces where LGBTQIA+ people under 18 feel they belong and are celebrated www.minus18.org.au
1800 RESPECT - If you, or someone you know needs support after after experiencing a sexual assault, please call the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line 1800 RESPECT on 1800 732 732.
Lifeline - 13 11 14, www.lifeline.org.au

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The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.