Claim of Expert Alleges Prevalence of Anti-Gay Attitudes Throughout AFL League
AFL Player Mitch Brown Breaks Barriers, Calls for Inclusive Culture
Mitch Brown, a former West Coast Eagles player, made history on Wednesday as he became the first AFL/VFL player in the almost 130-year history of the league to come out as bisexual. In his Instagram message, Brown stated, "I played in the AFL for 10 years for the West Coast Eagles and I'm a bisexual man."
Brown's announcement has sparked much discourse on whether the league is doing enough to create inclusive spaces. Dr Erik Denison, a behavioural scientist at Monash University, has stated that the AFL has deeply imbedded issues surrounding homophobia. He reiterates that homophobic language is normalized in the AFL.
Hypermasculinity and homophobia are deeply ingrained in every aspect of the AFL, according to Dr Denison. Brown himself mentioned that the 'hypermasculinity' in AFL teams made it impossible for him to be his true self. The AFL has received criticism for how it handled the situation regarding Izak Rankine's suspension for a homophobic slur.
The AFL has a zero-tolerance policy towards homophobia. However, the league has been contacted for comment regarding the issues raised by Brown and the league's progress on inclusivity. The AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon, states that there is no place for homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia in the game, workplace, or society.
In response to Brown's call for genuine change, the AFL has introduced an initiative to promote an inclusive culture in the sports industry. The AFL's LGBTQIA+ action plan has been introduced to create a culture of belonging. Brown's call to action includes a plea for the AFL to embed inclusion in culture, policies, and everyday actions.
Dr Denison suggests that the AFL community should not be congratulating itself but should instead look in the mirror, listen to what Mitch Brown is saying, and do something about the problems he's describing. Brown believes that making the AFL a more inclusive space will have a profound ripple effect on Australian society.
The Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine was recently slapped with a four-match ban for using a homophobic slur directed at an opposition player. Rankine's comment has added to the discourse on whether the league is doing enough to create inclusive spaces.
The AFL has an opportunity to drive long-overdue change to culture and behavior at all levels of the game, according to Dr Denison. By addressing the deeply ingrained issues of homophobia and hypermasculinity, the AFL can foster a culture where everyone feels they belong. This is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive society.
Read also:
- Lu Shiow-yen's Challenging Position as Chair of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Under Scrutiny in Donovan's Analysis
- Tough choices on August 13, 2025 for those born under Aquarius? Consider the advantages and disadvantages to gain guidance
- Microbiome's Impact on Emotional States, Judgement, and Mental Health Conditions
- Restaurant staff allegedly requires Minnesota teenager to validate her gender for bathroom access.
