The former player creates a story leaving like bisexual

Former Aussie Rules Player came out as the first open gay bisexual person in the 129-year history of the Australian Football League (AFL).

Mitch Brown, who played 94 matches for the west coast of Eagles from 2007 to 2016, said Daily aus The fact that the weight of hiding its sexuality has played a “huge” role in its decision to retire.

He added that he hoped that his decision would perform, create “security, comfort and space” to make others.

News note the main point for AFL, which before Brown’s announcement was the only major professional male sport that never had open gay or bisexuals, even after retirement.

Brown for the first time shared the news in the direct message of the Daily Aus social media account after viewing the coverage of recent homophobia incidents.

“I have played at AFL for 10 years behind the West Coast, and I am a bisexual man,” he wrote.

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

“It has never been an opportunity to talk openly or study your feelings or questions safely,” he added.

Brown described the culture of “hyper-masking” in Afl, where he heard “countless” homophobic comments that rushed to his field.

“When I grew up at school, the word” gay “was constantly rushing … for a person in Australia (it was perceived as), probably the weakest thing you might be.”

He also reminded of a conversation with teammates about how they feel a shower next to Gay.

“One of the players said,” I would rather end up in a cage full of lions than to take a shower next to the gay. “

The 36 -year -old Brown is in a relationship with a partner and was previously married to a former Netball Sea Bolton player, with whom he shares his two sons.

The announcement occurs after several high -profile homophobic incidents in AFL.

Last week, Adelaide Crows Izak Rankine received a four -week ban for using a “very offensive” homophobic hanging.

Addressing the incident, Brown said he would like to see a “sense of change” in the league through raising “positive imitation men’s examples”.

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

Brown said he believes that there are now gays and bisexual players who remain closed.

He urged fans to have empathy all players and shared a message for those who still don’t feel comfortable enough to speak.

“I see you, and you’re not alone.”