Former AFL player Mitch Brown co-hosted the ABC's coverage of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, which was broadcast live on Saturday, February 28, marking the 48th edition of the celebrations. Brown, who publicly identified as bisexual in August, becoming the first male AFL player to do so, participated in the event and advocated for increased LGBTQ+ inclusivity within professional sports. The parade featured approximately 10,000 attendees and 200 floats.
Mitch Brown's Role in Mardi Gras Coverage
Mitch Brown, a former West Coast Eagles player, served as a co-host for the ABC's broadcast of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade. He shared hosting duties with Courtney Act, Mon Schafter, and Jeremy Fernandez. Brown's involvement aimed to facilitate discussions within sports regarding sexuality.
During the event, Brown also marched with the Sydney Swans, an AFL club that has participated in the parade since 2018. Matthew Pavlich, a former Fremantle player now in an off-field role with the Sydney Swans, stated the club's presence signified a commitment to inclusion and respect. Current Sydney Swans player Brodie Grundy also participated in the march.
Brown's Public Identity and Advocacy
Brown, who played 94 games for the West Coast Eagles over 10 years, publicly identified as bisexual in August. This made him the first male AFL player, current or retired, to publicly identify as queer.
His decision to come out publicly was prompted during a holiday in Italy after listening to a podcast about the absence of openly queer male AFL players. He subsequently contacted Sam Kowslowski, co-founder of The Daily Aus, to share his story.
Brown had previously come out to friends and family, receiving encouragement to go public. He noted initial insecurities regarding his bisexuality and his platform as a football player but reported a shift in his self-acceptance. His partner, Lou, provided support for him to share his identity publicly.
Brown stated a desire to be a role model for other sportsmen who may be concealing their sexuality, noting the absence of openly queer male role models in professional AFL during his upbringing.
"He described Mardi Gras as a celebration of pride, in contrast to previous feelings of shame regarding his bisexuality."
He reported an encounter with a media staffer at a Lady Gaga concert, where he was questioned about the sincerity of his bisexuality, an experience he characterized as biphobic. He indicated he initially attempted to justify himself, later expressing regret for this response.
Brown advocated for increased inclusivity within the AFL, suggesting the league highlight players demonstrating positive behaviors and promoting a broader understanding of strength beyond traditional masculine norms. He also proposed that AFL clubs watch the series "Heated Rivalry," which focuses on the relationship between two gay ice hockey players, to facilitate discussions on such topics.
He acknowledged the support of other openly queer athletes, including Isaac Humphries and Josh Cavallo, and expressed his hope that his public announcement contributes to creating a safer environment for future individuals in sports to come out. Brown noted positive opportunities and community connections that have emerged since his announcement.
Mardi Gras Parade Details
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade was broadcast live from 7:30 pm on Saturday, February 28, on ABC TV and ABC iview. The parade, the 48th edition of the celebrations, saw 200 floats proceed along Oxford Street, which was decorated with rainbow lights and the red-and-white colors of the Sydney Swans.
Approximately 10,000 people attended the two-kilometer parade, a figure noted as smaller than in previous years. Reports indicated that a factor contributing to the reduced crowd was a dispute stemming from the banning of the 'Pride in Protest' group from the parade. Organizers cited "unacceptable public commentary" directed at a Jewish parade group as the reason for the ban.
Broader Context in Australian Sports
Brown joins a list of Australian male athletes who have publicly identified as queer, including:
- Ian Roberts (NRL)
- Isaac Humphries (NBL)
- Josh Cavallo (A-League)
- Ian Thorpe (Olympian)
- Matthew Mitcham (Olympian)