WAAC (formerly, Western Australian AIDS Council) expresses its support for former West Coast Eagles player Mitch Brown following his decision to publicly share his story as a bisexual man. As an organisation dedicated to supporting LGBTIQA+ communities across Western Australia, WAAC recognises the profound significance of Mitch's announcement in the context of professional Australian football. His willingness to live authentically and share his truth represents a watershed moment for LGBTIQA+ visibility in elite sport. Through our Freedom Project, WAAC works directly with young LGBTIQA+ people and witnesses firsthand the substantial barriers they face in living their authentic lives. These challenges are particularly acute in sporting environments, where heteronormative cultures can create environments of silence and fear for LGBTIQA+ athletes. Mitch's story powerfully speaks to these very barriers and serves as a vital reminder of the critical importance of creating safe, inclusive working and learning environments where young people feel empowered to explore and express their true selves without fear of discrimination or rejection. "We know that representation matters," WAAC CEO, Dr Daniel Vujcich said.
"When young LGBTIQA+ people see someone like Mitch in public life, it sends a powerful message that they too can be authentic and successful in their chosen fields. However, the responsibility for change lies not with individuals to come out, but with institutions and communities to create environments where all LGBTIQA+ people feel valued and protected.
"We encourage all sporting organisations, workplaces, and educational institutions to reflect on Mitch's story and consider how they can better support LGBTIQA+ individuals in their communities, whether they are publicly out or not," he said. While we celebrate Mitch's courage in sharing his story publicly, WAAC also acknowledges that courage takes many forms. We recognise and support all LGBTIQA+ individuals, including those who may not feel safe or ready to share their stories openly due to legitimate fears about societal pressures, discrimination, or personal safety. The decision to disclose one's identity is deeply personal, and every person deserves respect and support regardless of their level of public visibility. Our duty as a society extends equally to supporting those who choose visibility and those who do not by creating spaces where LGBTIQA+ people can thrive authentically, safely, and with dignity, regardless of how publicly they choose to live their truth.
