The former player makes the story by leaving bisexual

A former Australian rules player came out as the first openly gay or bisexual man in the history of 129 years in the Australian football league (AFL).

Mitch Brown, who played 94 games for Eagles on the west coast between 2007 and 2016, Daily Aus told the weight of the hiding place of her sexuality had played a “huge” role in his decision to retire.

He added that he hoped that his decision to express themselves will create “security, comfort and space” so that others manifest themselves.

The new brand a pivotal moment for the AFL, which before the announcement of Brown, was the only major sport for professional men worldwide to have never had a player openly gay or bisexual, even after retirement.

Brown first shared the news in a direct message to the AUS social media account after looking at the coverage of recent homophobia in AFL.

“I played in the AFL for 10 years for the eagles of the west coast, and I am a bisexual man,” he wrote.

The decision to express themselves came from a “feeling of peace … comfort and confidence” that he did not have by hiding his sexuality when he was an active player, said Brown.

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

Brown has described a culture of “hyper-masculinity” in the AFL, where he heard homophobic comments “of countless” himself launched on the ground.

“When I grew up in school, the word” gay “was constantly sent back … for a man in Australia, (he was considered) probably the weakest thing you can be.”

He also remembers having a conversation with teammates about how they would have shower next to a gay man.

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

Brown, 36, is currently in a relationship with a female partner and was previously married to former Netball player Shae Bolton, with whom he shares two sons.

The announcement comes after several high -level homophobic incidents in AFL.

Last week, the Adelaide Crows Izak Rankine player received a four -week ban for using a highly offensive “homophobic insult during a match.

Addressing the incident, Brown said he would like to see a “sense of change” in the league by raising “positive male role models”.

“My advice to the 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 thought there were currently gay and bisexual players from AFL who remain closed.

He encouraged fans to have empathy for all players and shared a message for those who still don’t feel comfortable to express themselves.

“I see you and you are not alone.”