# @pinknews on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DOEMsNXiIAG
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/33906029-pinknews-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/e4034bc4bc.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-09-01T16:02:27.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** PinkNews (@pinknews) — https://gondola.cc/pinknews

## Caption

Former West Coast Eagles player Mitch Brown has shared a heartfelt reflection after becoming the AFL’s first out bisexual player, saying that he and his family have been ‘overwhelmed by kindness’.

Mitch Brown, who played for 94 games and ten seasons between 2007 and 2016 in the AFL (Australian Football League), made history last week when he came out as bisexual – the first player, current or former, to do so in the sport’s history.

“It has been a few days since I shared my story, and l’ve had space to let it all sink in,” the 36-year-old wrote.

“Before it went live, there was a part of me that was worried about the homophobia or potential backlash I might receive. What happened instead was that the story was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, for which I am so grateful.”

Mitch Brown thanked his partner, Lou, for her “love, strength and resilience,” and for being his “anchor,” as well as his ex-wife, Shae Bolton Brown and their two boys, adding, “I could ever have done this without them.”

He continued: “I have been overwhelmed by the kindness, encouragement, and solidarity that has poured in from people across Australia and around the world.”

“Every message, every story shared, every word of support has meant more to me than I can say. I will carry that gratitude with me always. I want to acknowledge those that came before me – often at great personal cost – to make sport and society more inclusive.

Brown signed off with a “call to action” for the AFL, which has recently seen several players handed bans for the use of homophobic slurs in matches.

“It’s time for the AFL and the clubs to commit to genuine change, embedding inclusion not just in words, but in culture, policies and everyday actions.”

#AFL #MitchBrown #ComingOut #LGBTQNews

## Stats

- **Views:** 4,598
- **Likes:** 1,289
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 7

## Tags

afl, comingout, lgbtqnews, mitchbrown

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