Mitch Brown has accused critics including Wayne Carey of helping drive queer players into hiding as the fallout from his controversial AFL Hall of Fame outfit continues to escalate.
Supporters and detractors flooded social media after the AFL’s first openly bisexual male player defended his right to express himself and challenged football’s culture of acceptance.
Brown, the AFL’s first openly bisexual male player, sparked debate earlier this week when he attended the black-tie event wearing a sleeveless mesh top rather than a traditional tuxedo.
The outfit attracted criticism from Wayne Carey, who questioned why Brown had not adhered to the dress code, prompting the former West Coast Eagles and Melbourne forward to respond with a lengthy Instagram statement.
In the post, Brown argued the backlash highlighted broader issues surrounding inclusion in football and claimed commentary about his appearance was ’emblematic’ of why there are still no openly queer men currently playing in the AFL.
‘I didn’t want to give this any more oxygen but I feel like this is one of those learning moments,’ Brown posted.
Mitch Brown, pictured with partner Louisa Keck has doubled down after criticism of his Hall of Fame outfit sparked a fierce debate across football
Wayne Carey ignited the controversy by questioning Brown’s outfit at the AFL Hall of Fame ceremony
Brown attended the black-tie event wearing a sleeveless mesh top alongside partner Lou Keck
‘Tim, Gary, SEN and the other one [referring to Wayne Carey], although you will probably never know or care to understand. Your commentary this week is emblematic of why in 130 years and counting there is still no current queer AFL men’s players who feels safe enough to be themselves.
‘I understand that many people assume that wearing a shirt and tie equals respect. What is missing from this assumption is the decades of frustration, hurt and exclusion that strict, gendered dress codes have caused to members of the queer community.
‘If we want the sport to be more inclusive, we need to be more open and accepting to the ways in which the queer community choose to express themselves.
‘It makes me question whether you actually want queer players to be able to come out? Or if they do, will they only be accepted if they act and look exactly like you?
‘This is so much more than a mesh vest and that’s why it’s important you learn why or at least try.
‘If my outfit made you so uncomfortable that I “shouldn’t be allowed to attend”, then perhaps it’s worth reflecting on how uncomfortable these beliefs and attitudes have made the queer community feel for the last 130 years.
‘I know change can be uncomfortable. But at least try. If not for yourselves, then for the closeted queer people in your life.’
His comments quickly attracted hundreds of reactions, with many supporters praising him for speaking out.
The former AFL player accused critics including Wayne Carey of making queer players feel unsafe in football
‘Straight/conservative people get mad when they see queer people liberating themselves from the minutiae of ‘mainstream’ social norms. Our rebellion scares them because it threatens their power as dominators of narrative,’ one commenter wrote.
Another supporter added: ‘Unfortunately, despite us being told that everything is good now and we should be placated, these issues still come up. What we wear, how we look or act, or who we are shouldn’t be the problem it is.’
‘They are only happy when we are quiet or invisible because it doesn’t threaten their comfort and security.’
Veteran football journalist Marnie Vinall also shared her own experience of feeling out of place in football circles.
‘Thank you for this and your continued voice in this space. I remember my first HoF night. I went home and cried my eyes out (I was very young) thinking I can’t possibly exist in this space,’ she wrote.
‘It would have meant the world to me to have someone like you there that night.
‘If those types want to talk about comfortability in footballing spaces we can have that chat. But I fear they won’t like it. Queer men in particular have been boxed out of ‘traditional’ footy spaces for a very long time.’
She also pointed to what she saw as a contradiction in the reaction to Brown’s outfit.
Most invitees wore traditional black suits and ties to the AFL Hall of Fam ceremony
‘And you’re telling me the ‘everyone is too easily offended these days’ crowd were outraged by a mesh top?? The irony is loud. Please.’
Another commenter praised Brown’s stance, writing: ‘Spot on, Mitch. That line of ‘act and look exactly like you’ is a perfect encapsulation of the landscape, and can be used for any marginalised group that the footballing world [and wider community] fails to accept openly.’
Others were more direct in their support.
‘You are a hero Mitch,’ one follower wrote.
Another added: ‘You are a bloody legend Mitch.’
However, not all responses were supportive.
Another account challenged Brown’s argument, insisting the issue was about the dress code rather than sexuality.
‘That’s not fair. It’s a black tie event, the queerness or sexuality doesn’t come into it and I am very open,’ the page wrote.
‘I would feel the same if a straight woman wore fishnet.’
The page argued that individuality and formal dress were not mutually exclusive.
‘That’s prescriptive to say fishnet is a queer and if someone says hey can you dress to the code, it isn’t silencing sexuality or individuality.’
‘Plenty of ways to personalise or queer up formal wear without it being a fishnet.’
