Queer Run CBR brings AFL history-maker Mitch Brown to Canberra

Posted on 12 March, 2026

When Mitch Brown became the first openly bisexual male AFL player, he shifted the national conversation.

In the 129-year history of the AFL, no male player had ever publicly identified as gay or bisexual. That changed in August 2025 when Mitch exclusively told his story to The Daily Aus.

Shining a light on the importance of inclusion in a sport that has struggled to create safe environments for queer men, it was an historic moment – and for many people in the LGBTQIA+ community, the representation on a national stage was unlike anything they had ever seen before.

Now, Mitch is coming to Canberra for an in-conversation event on Wednesday 18 March  in partnership with the Queer Run CBR – a community‑driven club created to provide a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to move, connect and belong.

Welcoming runners, walkers, rollers, first‑timers, and lifelong athletes, the club began in 2024 when Queer Run CBR President Alex (they/them) realised something vital was missing from mainstream sporting environments: a space where queer people could participate without having to explain themselves or justify their right to belong.

“Especially for trans and gender‑diverse people, sporting spaces can feel intimidating or unsafe. I set out to change that, to create a place where people could move without fear, find connection, and be celebrated exactly as they are,” explains Alex.

“Our mission is to make movement joyful and accessible, particularly for trans and gender‑diverse people who have historically faced barriers in mainstream sport.”

Bringing Mitch to Canberra to reflect on his groundbreaking coming out journey and the broader landscape of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport, Queer Run CBR Vice President Roxie (they/them) says hosting the event felt like a “natural and important” step for the club.

They believe that the impact of Mitch’s coming-out story has deeply resonated with the community at Queer Run CBR, noting that his courage highlights the ongoing need for visibility and honest dialogue in Australian sport,

“Many of our members have stepped away from sport because they didn’t feel safe or supported, and seeing authentic sporting icons – and bi-cons – encourages us to keep pushing for a future where queer athletes don’t have to choose between the sport they love and the truth of who they are,” says Roxie.

“AFLW players and clubs have consistently been at the forefront of LGBTQIA+ inclusion, leading Pride Rounds, showing visible allyship, and creating some of the most welcoming environments in Australian sport. By bringing Mitch into this conversation, we’re bridging these two realities: the progress happening in women’s football, and the urgent need for men’s sport to catch up.”

As Alex puts it, visible advocates like Mitch are powerful.  When someone in a hyper‑masculine sport – like AFL – steps forward, it challenges long‑held stereotypes and opens space for others to feel safe in their identities.

“This carries particular weight in the ACT,” they explain.

“Canberra has a passionate AFL community, with local clubs, thriving junior pathways, and strong support for both AFL and AFLW programs. When someone from a sport with such reach chooses to live openly, the ripple effect is felt locally as much as nationally.”

The Queer Run CBR in conversation with Mitch Brown event is an opportunity for clubs, coaches, players, educators and allies to explore how they can build sporting and educational spaces where all people feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

With 100 per cent of ticket prices donated to Minus18 to support Australian LGBTQIA+ young people, attendees will also be investing directly in the wellbeing and futures of young queer people across the country.

“Guests can expect an honest, engaging, and uplifting conversation with Mitch Brown about LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport, the barriers that still exist, and the opportunities we all have to drive meaningful change,” says Alex.

“Mitch is also a fantastic storyteller, so expect plenty of laughs, as well as some moving moments. We will have a raffle with some great prizes from IONIC Athletics, InterSport Fyshwick and Queer Food. All proceeds from the raffle, like the tickets, will be donated to Minus18.”

Diving into Mitch’s courageous decision to publicly share his identity, Alex and Roxie believe that events like this one can help challenge outdated narratives and spotlight the voices that have too often been ignored.

And as they continue to focus on the Queer Run CBR’s mission to make movement joyful and accessible for the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s for one powerful reason: inclusion elevates everyone, not just those who need it most.

“When athletes, coaches, and supporters feel safe to show up as themselves, teams become stronger, more cohesive and more connected. Teams perform better, build deeper relationships and stay involved in sport for longer,” says Roxie.

“Local teams in Canberra can make positive change by making public statements of inclusion, offering flexible uniform options or celebrating pride rounds. Small steps help build environments that support authenticity, making sport safer and more joyful for everyone.”

Feature image: (L-R) Queer Run CBR President Alex and Queer Run CBR Vice President Roxie. Credit: George Serras.