The former player makes the story by coming out as bisexual

A former Aussie rules played as the first open gay or bisexual man in the 129-year history of the Australian Football League (AFL).

Mitch Brown, who played 94 matches for the eagles on the west coast between 2007 and 2016, told Daily Aus that the burden of hiding his sexuality played a “huge” role in his decision to retire.

He added that he hoped his decision to speak, would create “safety, comfort and space” so that others can come out.

The news celebrates AFL, which, before Brown announcement, was the only major professional sport for men worldwide that has never had an open gay or bisexual player, even after retirement.

Brown first shared the news in a direct message to the Daily Aus social media account after observing the recent homophobia incidents in AFL.

“I played in AFL for 10 years for the eagles on the west coast. I am a bisexual person,” he writes.

The decision to speak out of the “feeling of peace … comfort and confidence” that he did not have while hiding his sexuality when he was an active player, Brown said.

“It has never been an opportunity to speak openly or to explore your feelings or questions in a safe way,” he added.

Brown described the culture of “hyper-humanity” in AFL, where he hears “countless” homophobic comments that cast him on the field.

“When I grew up at school, the word” gay “was thrown constantly … for a person in Australia (it was seen as) probably the most famous thing you could be.”

He also recalled that he had a conversation with teammates about how they would feel that they should bathe next to gay.

“One of the players said,” I prefer to be in a cage full of lions than to have a shower to gay. “

Brown’s revelation and criticism of AFL’s culture may note a significant change in the changing rooms of Australian male sports, an expert on behavioral science told the BBC.

“This is a historical moment for World Sport, as AFL is the last big professional sport that has an outdoor gay or bisexual male player. However, the players who are coming out so far have not had much effect on changing behavior in the main,” said Monache University researcher Erik Denison.

“(But) Brown uses a much more different approach than other players, as he is very open to the problems that need to change in his sport, to the main ones, to make people like him feel safe.”

It’s been 50 years since former American footballer David Copai came out as the first gay professional athlete at NFL – but Denison hopes Brown’s message will “help change the culture and behavior in clubs in Australia.”

The 36 -year -old Brown is currently in a relationship with a female partner and has previously been married to a former netball player Shei Bolton, with whom he shares two sons.

The message comes after several high -profile homophobic incidents in AFL.

Last week, Adlaide Crows Izak Rankine player received a four -week ban on using a “highly offensive” homophobic stick while playing.

Turning to the incident, Brown said he would like to see a “sense of change” in the league by raising “positive male imitation patterns”.

“My advice to AFL would be, let’s celebrate players who may not be the most successful, but they are the most important players in our community.”

Brown said he believed that there are currently gay and bisexual players in AFL who remain closed.

He encouraged fans to have empathy for all players and shared a message for those who still do not feel comfortable enough to talk.

“I see you and you are not alone.”